A Farewell to Jimmy Carter: A Nation Bids Goodbye to a Former President
All living former U.S. Presidents, along with President-elect Donald Trump, attend a solemn state funeral at Washington National Cathedral.
On January 9, 2025, the United States came together to bid farewell to its 39th President, Jimmy Carter, with a state funeral held at the Washington National Cathedral.
The ceremony was attended by all living former U.S. Presidents, including the President-elect Donald Trump, reflecting the profound impact Carter had on American politics and society.
President Joe Biden, who shared a nearly 50-year friendship with Carter, delivered a heartfelt eulogy lauding Carter’s character and his forward-thinking approach.
Biden remarked, 'Many today may think he belonged to a bygone era, but the truth is, he always had an eye on the future.'
The state funeral formed part of a national day of mourning declared by President Biden in Carter’s honor, marking the end of a series of memorial services that began the previous weekend.
These services included commemorations at the U.S. Capitol, the Carter Presidential Center in Atlanta, and Carter's hometown of Plains, Georgia.
The gathering at the National Cathedral featured emotional tributes from Carter’s family, depicting him as both a powerful political figure and a compassionate humanitarian.
His grandsons, Josh and Jason Carter, spoke passionately about their grandfather's legacy.
Jason Carter highlighted his grandparents' 77-year marriage, noting, 'He was at peace in the final weeks, telling us he was ready to see her again.
His life was a broader love story, centered on the love for fellow mankind and living the commandment to love thy neighbor as thyself.'
Beyond his presidency, Carter's enduring humanitarian work garnered him global admiration.
President Biden, in his tribute, reflected on this legacy, stating, 'What I find extraordinary about Jimmy Carter is that people worldwide feel they have lost a friend, even if they never met him.
This is because he lived a life measurable not by words, but by deeds.'
Following the national commemoration, Carter's remains were transported back to Georgia for a private burial in Plains, concluding the public tributes to a man whose life and work transcended borders, touching hearts worldwide.
The ceremony was attended by all living former U.S. Presidents, including the President-elect Donald Trump, reflecting the profound impact Carter had on American politics and society.
President Joe Biden, who shared a nearly 50-year friendship with Carter, delivered a heartfelt eulogy lauding Carter’s character and his forward-thinking approach.
Biden remarked, 'Many today may think he belonged to a bygone era, but the truth is, he always had an eye on the future.'
The state funeral formed part of a national day of mourning declared by President Biden in Carter’s honor, marking the end of a series of memorial services that began the previous weekend.
These services included commemorations at the U.S. Capitol, the Carter Presidential Center in Atlanta, and Carter's hometown of Plains, Georgia.
The gathering at the National Cathedral featured emotional tributes from Carter’s family, depicting him as both a powerful political figure and a compassionate humanitarian.
His grandsons, Josh and Jason Carter, spoke passionately about their grandfather's legacy.
Jason Carter highlighted his grandparents' 77-year marriage, noting, 'He was at peace in the final weeks, telling us he was ready to see her again.
His life was a broader love story, centered on the love for fellow mankind and living the commandment to love thy neighbor as thyself.'
Beyond his presidency, Carter's enduring humanitarian work garnered him global admiration.
President Biden, in his tribute, reflected on this legacy, stating, 'What I find extraordinary about Jimmy Carter is that people worldwide feel they have lost a friend, even if they never met him.
This is because he lived a life measurable not by words, but by deeds.'
Following the national commemoration, Carter's remains were transported back to Georgia for a private burial in Plains, concluding the public tributes to a man whose life and work transcended borders, touching hearts worldwide.
