State Memorial Services for Former US President Jimmy Carter Scheduled for January 9
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Washington, Dec 31 (NationPress) The official state memorial services for former President Jimmy Carter are set to occur on January 9 in Washington D.C. This date has been declared a national day of mourning by President Joe Biden on Sunday.
President Biden is anticipated to give a eulogy for the former President, and on Monday he mandated that federal offices be closed on January 9 "as a mark of respect" for Carter.
The Supreme Court also announced on Monday at noon that it would be closed on January 9 to honor the day of mourning.
Carter passed away on Sunday (local time) at the remarkable age of 100.
Memorial services honoring Carter will commence on January 4, featuring a brief pause at his boyhood residence and family farm in Plains, Georgia, where he was raised, along with a moment of silence at the Georgia State Capitol.
He will lie in repose at the Carter Presidential Center in Atlanta until January 7, allowing mourners to pay their respects before his transfer to Washington, D.C. His remains will be transported to the US Navy Memorial and subsequently to the US Capitol in a funeral procession.
Upon arrival at the Capitol, members of Congress will pay tribute to the late President during an afternoon service on January 7. He will lie in state until January 9, when the state funeral will take place at the National Cathedral at 10 a.m.
In a letter on Monday, Congressional leaders from both parties informed Carter's son James Carter III and the Carter Center of their intention for the late President to lie in state at the Capitol from January 7-9.
"In recognition of President Carter's long and distinguished service to the nation, we intend to request the United States House of Representatives and the United States Senate to allow his remains to lie in state in the Rotunda of the United States Capitol," the lawmakers expressed in a joint statement.
"With your approval, we will proceed with these arrangements so that the American people can pay their respects to President Carter before his final resting place," they added.
In a statement on Truth Social on Sunday, President-elect Donald Trump also honored Carter, stating that "the challenges Jimmy faced as President arose during a pivotal time for our nation, and he did everything in his power to enhance the lives of all Americans".
Trump continued, "For that, we all owe him a debt of gratitude."
Carter was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002 for his extensive work in human rights worldwide, including "his decades of tireless efforts to find peaceful resolutions to international conflicts." Through the Carter Center, which he established in 1982 with his wife, he dedicated decades to working with developing nations to restore human rights and cultivate democratic institutions.
The Joint Task Force-National Capital Region in the Department of Defense will oversee the ceremonies.
Previously, Biden and First Lady Jill Biden expressed their sorrow over the loss of former President Carter, recognizing him as an extraordinary leader, statesman, and humanitarian.
In a statement released by the White House, they mentioned, "With his compassion and moral clarity, he worked to eradicate disease, forge peace, advance civil rights and human rights, promote free and fair elections, house the homeless, and always advocate for the least among us. He saved, uplifted, and transformed the lives of individuals globally."
Meanwhile, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his sadness over Carter's passing, calling him a "statesman of great vision".
PM Modi noted that Carter's efforts in strengthening ties between India and the US have left a lasting legacy.
In a post on X, PM Modi stated, "Deeply saddened by the passing of former US President Jimmy Carter. A statesman of great vision, he worked tirelessly for global peace and harmony. His contributions to fostering strong India-US ties leave a lasting legacy. My heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and the people of the US."
In 1978, Jimmy Carter visited India as US President.
He met with India's then-President Neelam Sanjiva Reddy and then-Prime Minister Morarji Desai. During his visit, he also addressed the Parliament of India.
On Sunday, former US President Jimmy Carter passed away at the age of 100 (local time) at his home in Plains, Georgia, as reported by media outlets, citing his son James E. Carter III.
Carter's son confirmed his passing but did not provide an immediate cause. According to a statement from the Carter Center in February 2023, after several hospital stays, Carter opted to cease further medical treatment and spend his remaining time at home under hospice care.
