January 4th 2025.
The passing of former President Jimmy Carter has been met with deep mourning and reflection as the nation prepares for six days of funeral observances in his honor. The events, which begin on Saturday in Georgia, where he passed away at the remarkable age of 100, will pay tribute to his incredible journey from the small town of Plains to his influential role on the global stage as a humanitarian and champion of democracy.
The initial ceremonies will focus on Carter's strong connection to rural south Georgia, where he spent the majority of his life. The first event, which took place at 10:15 a.m. EST on Saturday, saw the arrival of the Carter family at Phoebe Sumter Medical Center in Americus. Former Secret Service agents, who had protected Carter during his time as president, served as pallbearers and walked alongside the hearse as it made its way to Plains.
Growing up in a town with a population of less than 700 people, Carter's roots in Plains run deep. Unlike some other presidents, such as Richard Nixon, Ronald Reagan, and Bill Clinton, who also came from rural settings, Carter chose to return to his birthplace and remained there throughout his long post-presidency. The motorcade will pass through downtown Plains, passing by significant places such as the home of his late wife, Rosalynn, and the old train depot that served as his 1976 campaign headquarters.
The next stop on the schedule will be at Carter's boyhood home in Archery, just outside of Plains. This property, now part of the Jimmy Carter National Historical Park, holds a special place in his heart. The National Park Service will ring the old farm bell 39 times, one for each year of his presidency. Despite growing up during the Great Depression and working on his father's land, Carter's family enjoyed a certain level of privilege and status in the community. His father employed Black tenant farming families, and the property even had a tennis court built by his father.
From there, the motorcade will head to Atlanta, where Carter's political career began. At 3 p.m., the procession will stop outside the Georgia Capitol, where he served as a state senator and governor. Georgia Governor Brian Kemp and Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens will lead a moment of silence. Following this, the motorcade will arrive at the Carter Presidential Center, home to Carter's presidential library and The Carter Center, which he established with his wife in 1982.
For 36 hours, from 7 p.m. on Saturday until 6 a.m. on Monday, Carter's body will lie in repose for the public to pay their respects. The ceremony is expected to include members of The Carter Center's global staff, whose work in international diplomacy, election monitoring, and fighting disease in the developing world has set a high standard for post-presidential achievements. Carter himself won the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002 for his efforts in these areas.
After the public viewing, Carter's remains will travel to Washington, where he will lie in state in the Capitol Rotunda until his funeral on Thursday at the Washington National Cathedral. President Joe Biden, a close ally of Carter, will deliver a eulogy at the service, which will be attended by all living presidents. The Carter family will then return to Plains for a private hometown funeral at Maranatha Baptist Church, where Carter taught Sunday School for many years. He will be buried in a private graveside service, overlooking the front porch of his beloved home.
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