The Final Farewell at National Cathedral

On Thursday, Washington, D.C.’s National Cathedral will host the funeral service for the late President Jimmy Carter, a deeply respected figure in American politics. Family, friends, and supporters are expected to attend the ceremony, which is set to begin at 11 a.m.

President Joe Biden has declared Thursday a National Day of Mourning in honor of Carter, who passed away on December 29, 2023, at the remarkable age of 100. This day will allow citizens to reflect on Carter’s profound impact on the nation during his lifetime.

The Presidents’ Club Reunites

This somber occasion will mark a significant reunion of the so-called “presidents’ club,” as all five living former presidents—Biden, Bill Clinton, George W. Bush, Barack Obama, and Donald Trump—will gather for the first time since the funeral of George H.W. Bush in 2018. Each president brings with them their own unique tributes and reflections on Carter’s legacy.

In a notable moment, President Biden is scheduled to deliver the eulogy, allowing for a personal and poignant reflection on Carter’s life and contributions to the nation.

Alongside former presidents, notable political figures such as House Speaker Mike Johnson and Senate Majority Leader John Thune are anticipated to attend, in addition to their Democratic counterparts, including House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer.

A Journey of Tributes

The tributes to President Carter began on January 4, with a motorcade transporting his body through his beloved hometown of Plains, Georgia. This poignant journey also included stops in Atlanta at the Carter Presidential Center, where family, friends, and community members engaged in heartfelt remembrances. Following the ceremony in Atlanta, Carter lay in repose at the Carter Center and later at the Capitol, allowing public access for mourners to pay their respects.

A Final Homecoming

Following the funeral service in Washington D.C., the Carter family will return to Plains for a private ceremony at Maranatha Baptist Church, where Carter was a lifelong member. A motorcade procession is planned through the town, encouraging supporters to line the streets in tribute as they bid farewell to a beloved local figure. Carter will be laid to rest on his property, next to his late wife, Rosalynn, who passed away in 2023.

A Legacy of Service and Faith

Jimmy Carter, a former governor of Georgia, ascended to the presidency in 1976 under a banner of integrity and faith. His administration was marked by efforts to restore public confidence following the Watergate scandal and the Vietnam War. However, his tenure was also marred by significant challenges, including high inflation and unemployment rates, which ultimately led to his defeat by Ronald Reagan in 1980.

Throughout his presidency, Carter made notable advances in both domestic and foreign policy. He successfully established full diplomatic relations with China and played a pivotal role in negotiating a nuclear limitation treaty with the Soviet Union. Domestically, he championed various conservation efforts, demonstrating a sincere love for nature that mirrored his upbringing as a young farmer.

A Life Beyond the Presidency

In the years following his presidency, Carter lived a modest life in the ranch house he and Rosalynn built in 1961. His commitment to community service remained steadfast as he dedicated time to building homes with Habitat for Humanity. He occasionally ventured into international diplomacy, guided by a sense of obligation and service, despite tensions that sometimes arose with other former presidents.

Carter’s post-presidency was marked by his literary contributions, authoring 32 books, while eschewing lucrative speaking fees and cushy board appointments typically sought by his peers. Instead, he chose a life centered on service and family, often seen engaging in fishing, running, and woodworking—activities that reflected both his spirit and dedication to craftsmanship.

The Family Left Behind

Jimmy Carter is survived by his four children, eleven grandchildren, and thirteen great-grandchildren. His extended family represents the legacy of a man who lived a life of service, humility, and profound faith, serving as an example for generations to come.