President Joe Biden has declared January 9 as a National Day of Mourning to pay tribute to the late former President Jimmy Carter, who passed away on December 29 at the age of 100. This nationwide observance will close all federal government agencies as well as the New York Stock Exchange and Nasdaq, marking respect for the legacy of the thirty-ninth President of the United States.
According to the White House, President Biden signed the executive order to shut down federal operations on this day, as is customarily done when U.S. presidents die. The proclamation not only calls for the closure of agencies but also urges Americans to gather at their places of worship to honor the memory of Carter. Biden stated he would like people to "assemble on [the day]... there to pay homage to the memory of President James Earl Carter, Jr."
Carter's funeral is scheduled to take place at the Washington National Cathedral on January 9, with services beginning at 10 AM (EST). The Carter family has accepted the invitation for him to lie in state at the Rotunda of the U.S. Capitol, allowing the public to pay their respects to the beloved leader. The funeral arrangements reflect the significance of Carter’s contributions to the United States and the global humanitarian arena.
Throughout his lifetime, Carter was known for his unwavering dedication to philanthropy and humanitarian work. His presidency from 1977 to 1981 was marked by efforts such as the Camp David Accords, his focus on human rights, and the establishment of the Department of Education. He continued to champion humanitarian initiatives even post-presidency, famously co-founding Habitat for Humanity and regularly teaching Sunday School at his local church.
Despite facing serious health challenges, including cancer and multiple falls requiring surgeries, Carter remained actively engaged with his community and charitable causes until receiving at-home hospice care for nearly two years before his death. After announcing his battle with cancer back in 2015, he humbly shared, “Now I feel it’s in the hands of God, who I worship, and I’ll be prepared for anything.” This ethos of faith and readiness characterized his life and legacy.
The National Day of Mourning is not merely for former presidents; it serves to honor significant American figures who have passed. Past declarations have been made for influential leaders such as Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and the victims of the September 11 terror attacks. Biden noted the ritualistic significance of such observances, which have been shaped by tradition, becoming more formalized since the death of President Dwight Eisenhower, who received similar honors back in 1969.
“To honor a great American,” President Biden expressed, “I will be ordering an official state funeral to be held... for James Earl Carter, Jr., who gave his full life to service.” Such acknowledgments reflect the high esteem held for Carter, not just as president but as a humanitarian and advocate for vulnerable communities worldwide.
On the day of mourning, flags across the country will also be lowered to half-staff for 30 days, as is customary following the death of prominent national figures. This action serves as both remembrance and respect for the contributions made by Carter during his lifetime.
With the upcoming state funeral, the nation prepares to reflect on the remarkable life and service of Jimmy Carter, who represented the ideals of dignity, commitment, and compassion throughout his lengthy life. His legacy is one of resilience and kindness, factors underlined by his public service and personal endeavors.
President Carter's contributions to society and his remarkable longevity as the longest-living president will forever be cherished. The National Day of Mourning on January 9 resonates not only as a solemn farewell to Carter but also as a collective acknowledgment of the values he championed and the imprint he left on generations of Americans.