Former President Jimmy Carter passed away on December 29 at the age of 100. His death closed the chapter on the life of the 39th president of the United States, whose impact stretched far beyond his time in office. Memorial events preceding his burial will take place at significant locations tied to his legacy, as reported by 24 Kanal referencing the U.S. Metropolitan Region's Joint Operations Group, as cited by Ukrinform.
A memorial service for Carter will be held at the Presidential Center named after him, with a national funeral service to take place at the Washington National Cathedral and the Capitol. The main funeral procession is scheduled for January 9, where the cortege will briefly stop at the farm of his childhood before proceeding to Atlanta, making another stop at the Georgia State Capitol.
The funeral service, which will be private, will conclude with interment at Plains, Georgia. Carter's family has extended invitations to anyone wishing to pay their respects to the 39th president of the United States at any point during the procession. Carter's battle with terminal illness was well-known; he had been undergoing treatment for melanoma, which had metastasized to his liver and brain. By 2023, Carter had ceased medical treatment and chose to spend his final days at home.
Having been awarded the Nobel Peace Prize, Carter was celebrated for his humanitarian efforts, even though his presidency faced numerous challenges. Historical analyses often depict his administration as making progressive strides, even if such recognition was not forthcoming during his term. His life of public service and commitment to human rights left a lasting impression on many.
Carter's legacy is deeply intertwined with themes of resilience and compassion, traits he exemplified throughout his life. He was the oldest president to serve the United States, reaching the age of 100 only weeks before his death. His passing elicited tributes from numerous public figures, reflecting the respect he commanded nationally and internationally.
Among those remembering him is President Joe Biden, who declared January 9 as a day of mourning across America due to Carter's monumental contributions. Biden's announcement signifies Carter's importance not only as a former leader but as someone who dedicated much of his post-presidency to humanitarian causes.
The ceremonies to honor Carter are not merely tributes to his time as president but also reflections on his prolific post-presidential career. After leaving office, Carter founded the Carter Center, which has worked extensively on missions to alleviate human suffering, promote democracy, and improve global health.
Throughout the funeral events, the memories of Carter's landmark policies and humanitarian strides will be evoked. His administration faced the challenges of high inflation, the Iranian hostage crisis, and the energy crisis—events which challenged his presidency. Despite these hurdles, the initiatives for establishing new departments such as the Department of Education and the Department of Energy highlighted his progressive vision for America.
Despite losing to Ronald Reagan during the 1980 presidential election, historians have since re-evaluated Carter's presidency positively, recognizing the far-reaching impacts of his policies and philosophies.
Carter's attention to human rights extended to his foreign policy initiatives, challenging the traditional norms of American diplomacy. With his health deteriorated due to cancer, he demonstrated remarkable fortitude and humility through his final years, continually opting for comfort and family time over aggressive medical interventions.
The tributes set to take place across the country will serve as reminders of his complex legacy—a narrative of highs and lows but inevitably marked by monumental achievements post-office. The cascade of memories will not only recall his diplomatic efforts but also the spirit with which he faced his final days.
All across America, citizens are preparing to reflect on the life of Jimmy Carter and the indelible mark he has left on the nation. From the grand setting of national memorial services to those intimate moments remembered by friends and family, Carter's legacy will undoubtedly endure as generations continue to learn from his life's work as both president and global advocate.