A national day of mourning will be held on January 9, 2024, to honor the life and legacy of former President Jimmy Carter, who passed away on December 29 at the age of 100. President Joe Biden has declared this solemn day and emphasized the character, courage, and compassion of the 39th president. Underlining the importance of Carter's contributions to America, Biden stated, "I call on the American people to assemble on [the day of mourning]... to pay homage to the memory of President James Earl Carter Jr."
The day of mourning coincides with Carter's funeral at the Washington National Cathedral, where President Biden will deliver the eulogy. A eulogy written by former President Gerald Ford will also be read by his son, Steven Ford. To honor Carter's service, American flags at the White House, throughout various public buildings, military bases, and even U.S. embassies worldwide will be flown at half-staff for the next 30 days.
Federal services will be suspended on January 9, save for those necessary for national security. This suspension includes the closure of the Postal Service, the New York Stock Exchange, and the Supreme Court, echoing the nation’s collective respect and acknowledgment of the former president's role. The last similar observance for a president occurred when George H.W. Bush passed away, and prior to him, the country observed days of mourning for other presidents like Abraham Lincoln and John F. Kennedy.
Those reflecting on Carter’s legacy note how his humble beginnings as a peanut farmer and relentless pursuit of peace left lasting impacts on both domestic and global stages. Carter was the first U.S. president to publicly denounce apartheid in South Africa and took monumental steps to prioritize human rights within U.S. foreign policy. Samantha Power, the current Administrator of the U.S. Agency for International Development, noted, “He changed our world for the good.”
Carter's presidency is often evaluated within the lens of the tumultuous events of the late 1970s, such as the Iran hostage crisis and economic challenges like stagflation. Nevertheless, as commentators now reflect on his service, many argue for the need to reevaluate his contributions more fairly. Carter’s dedication to human dignity and his actions, which were often overshadowed by crisis, are increasingly being recognized as impactful.
One of the many personal connections people hold with Carter stems from his long-standing commitment to teaching Sunday school at Maranatha Baptist Church. This humble activity reflects Carter’s character and the values embedded deeply within him. Not just seen as the commander-in-chief, he remained Mr. Jimmy to his local community, providing inspiration and learning opportunities to all who attended his classes.
Visitors to his Sunday school lessons found themselves not just hearing political speeches, but learning about compassion, integrity, and faith. Many participants recalled their experiences fondly, stating how these gatherings allowed him to share wisdom and personal stories, emphasizing the truth within biblical teachings.
Even beyond his presidency, Carter's philanthropic pursuits, such as partnering with Habitat for Humanity, showed his commitment to civil rights and humanitarian efforts. His influence extended to fostering new relationships, including the normalization of diplomatic relations with China, significantly altering the global power balance.
Despite facing various criticisms during and after his presidency, growing numbers of historians and the public alike have begun to reassess Carter’s place within American history. Many advocate for his emphasis on human rights and diplomacy as examples worth evaluating against today’s political backdrop. The sharper ideological divisions in contemporary politics highlight the character and conduct Carter embodied and championed during his term.
The day of mourning for Jimmy Carter, set against the backdrop of his funeral, encourages collective reflection on his life, allowing Americans to reconcile their respect for his personal character with his enduring legacy. Hence, it invites citizens to set personal resolutions to fill the undoubted void his passing leaves behind. It is undoubtedly aspirational to pursue the values and humility he exemplified.
While Carter had his failures, his successes as president and humanitarian stand as clear markers of how personal qualities and values are consequential for the nation. His life reminds us of the importance of compassion and service, encouraging active efforts to build bridges among differences, just as he did.
Through this national day of mourning and the reflections it inspires, Americans are called upon to hold dear the lessons learned from Jimmy Carter's life, ensuring his message of goodness continues to resonate with future generations.