The state funeral for Jimmy Carter commenced with a poignant procession, celebrating the life of a revered leader.
Farewell to a Legend: Jimmy Carter's State Funeral Begins in Georgia
Farewell to a Legend: Jimmy Carter's State Funeral Begins in Georgia
As the nation mourns, tributes pour in for the 39th president, highlighting his humility and impact.
In a somber yet celebratory atmosphere, Americans gathered to honor the late Jimmy Carter, the 39th president of the United States, as his nearly week-long state funeral began in Plains, Georgia. The proceedings kicked off with a heartfelt procession from Carter's residence to Atlanta, where mourners paid their respects to the beloved statesman who passed away last month at the age of 100. On Tuesday, the former president will be transported to Washington DC to lie in state at the US Capitol ahead of a memorial service featuring former U.S. presidents on Thursday.
Among those in attendance on Saturday was Heather Brooks, an Atlanta local and staunch admirer of Carter. She reflected on Carter's genuine character, stating, "I found him to be always kind, relatable, just an awesome individual who has done so much for the world, not just America." Brooks described Carter as "powerful yet so humble."
Paige Alexander, leader of the Carter Center, emphasized Carter's remarkable qualities of sincerity and integrity, a departure from the divisiveness often seen in modern politics. The area outside the Carter Center overflowed with floral tributes, handwritten notes, and bags of peanuts—paying homage to Carter's origins as a peanut farmer.
Long-time friend Jill Stuckey expressed her sorrow at the loss of the Carters, highlighting their lifelong dedication to helping others. She remarked, "I don't know how we're going to get used to a world without President Carter."
The funeral procession took a symbolic route, including stops at significant locations such as the Methodist church where the Carters wed in 1946 and Carter's boyhood home, which now forms part of the Jimmy Carter National Historical Park. In honor of their 39th president, the park rang its bell 39 times. Georgia Governor Brian Kemp led a moment of silence at the state's capitol building.
Mourners will have the opportunity to pay their last respects at the Jimmy Carter Presidential Library on January 5 and 6 before his remains are taken to Washington DC on January 7. For two days, he will lie in state at the Capitol Rotunda, followed by a memorial service at Washington National Cathedral on January 9, attended by distinguished guests including several former presidents.
As tributes flow in, Jason Carter, the former president's grandson, shared his reflections on Carter’s personal connections, stating, "For many people in the country, he was a beacon of love and respect, and I think that's worth celebrating."
Among those in attendance on Saturday was Heather Brooks, an Atlanta local and staunch admirer of Carter. She reflected on Carter's genuine character, stating, "I found him to be always kind, relatable, just an awesome individual who has done so much for the world, not just America." Brooks described Carter as "powerful yet so humble."
Paige Alexander, leader of the Carter Center, emphasized Carter's remarkable qualities of sincerity and integrity, a departure from the divisiveness often seen in modern politics. The area outside the Carter Center overflowed with floral tributes, handwritten notes, and bags of peanuts—paying homage to Carter's origins as a peanut farmer.
Long-time friend Jill Stuckey expressed her sorrow at the loss of the Carters, highlighting their lifelong dedication to helping others. She remarked, "I don't know how we're going to get used to a world without President Carter."
The funeral procession took a symbolic route, including stops at significant locations such as the Methodist church where the Carters wed in 1946 and Carter's boyhood home, which now forms part of the Jimmy Carter National Historical Park. In honor of their 39th president, the park rang its bell 39 times. Georgia Governor Brian Kemp led a moment of silence at the state's capitol building.
Mourners will have the opportunity to pay their last respects at the Jimmy Carter Presidential Library on January 5 and 6 before his remains are taken to Washington DC on January 7. For two days, he will lie in state at the Capitol Rotunda, followed by a memorial service at Washington National Cathedral on January 9, attended by distinguished guests including several former presidents.
As tributes flow in, Jason Carter, the former president's grandson, shared his reflections on Carter’s personal connections, stating, "For many people in the country, he was a beacon of love and respect, and I think that's worth celebrating."
