President Joe Biden has declared January 9 a national day of mourning, marking the state funeral of former President Jimmy Carter, who served from 1977 to 1981. Carter, known as a champion of peace and human rights, passed away peacefully at his home in Plains, Georgia, at the age of 100, surrounded by his family.

A Legacy of Service and Humanity

Carter rose from a humble peanut farm in Georgia to the Oval Office, where he redefined U.S. relations with Latin America and brokered the historic Camp David Accords between Israel and Egypt. After leaving office, he dedicated his life to humanitarian causes, founding the Carter Center in 1982 to promote health, peace, and human rights worldwide.

National and Global Tributes

Tributes have poured in from leaders across the globe:

  • President Biden praised Carter as “a man of principles, faith, and humility” and urged Americans to learn from his purposeful life.
  • Former Presidents Barack Obama, George W. Bush, and Bill Clinton highlighted Carter’s extraordinary character and dedication to creating a just world.
  • International leaders, including Pope Francis, French President Emmanuel Macron, and King Charles III, lauded his commitment to peace and human rights.

Even former President Donald Trump, despite past disagreements, acknowledged Carter’s love for the country.

Funeral Arrangements

The state funeral will follow traditional protocols for U.S. heads of state:

  • January 6: Carter’s body will be transported through Plains, Georgia, to the state capitol in Atlanta.
  • January 7: His remains will arrive in Washington, D.C., where they will lie in state at the U.S. Capitol under military guard.
  • January 9: A televised funeral will be held at the National Cathedral, followed by Carter’s burial in Plains alongside his wife, Rosalynn, who passed away in 2023.

A Lifelong Fight for Peace

Carter’s post-presidency work saved countless lives, particularly through efforts to combat parasitic diseases like Guinea worm disease, now nearly eradicated. His humanitarian leadership earned him the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002.

Carter’s legacy continues to inspire generations as a testament to a life dedicated to justice, peace, and the well-being of humanity.

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