Georgians and Americans alike are joining together to honor the legacy of former President Jimmy Carter as his six-day state funeral observances got underway following his passing at the exceptional age of 100 on December 29, 2024. The nation is paying their respects to the 39th president through a series of events, beginning with the funeral motorcade making its way through Plains, Georgia, his hometown.
On January 5, 2025, Carter's funeral expedition commenced, highlighting his deep roots and connection to rural Georgia. The motorcade capped off its first leg by briefly stopping at the family farm, where the National Park Service rang the historic bell 39 times—a touching tribute to the 39th president and reflecting his humble beginnings.
The initial motorcade left the Phoebe Sumter Medical Center at 10:15 am, arriving at Carter’s family farm around 10:50 am. This site, now part of the Jimmy Carter National Historical Park, resonates deeply with those who admire the late president, as it is where he spent much of his childhood.
The lengthy procession paused at significant locations such as the Methodist church where Carter married Rosalynn Smith and at the Georgia State Capitol, where current Governor Brian Kemp led a poignant moment of silence. After arriving at the Carter Presidential Center later on January 5, Carter's remains were made available for public viewing, drawing mourners from across the country and world.
"It feels like we're honoring not just a president, but a friend who genuinely cared for people," remarked Paige Alexander, head of The Carter Center. This affectionate sentiment was echoed by many who visited to pay their respects. Attendees were welcomed to leave flowers, handwritten tributes, and personal mementos, including peanuts—a nod to Carter's history as a peanut farmer.
At the Carter Center, mourners can pay respects around the clock until January 7. Many have shared emotional reflections, noting Carter's humble leadership and the sincerity he carried throughout his career. High school student Ethan Cyganiewicz, whose family drove five hours just to see Carter, remarked, "You just feel the majesty of the moment. You're like in the presence of a man who sat behind the Resolute Desk."
Further, the outpouring of love has traveled beyond the quiet streets of Plains. "He was always kind, relatable, just an awesome individual who has done so much for the world," Heather Brooks shared with the BBC, emphasis placed on her admiration for the late president's humanitarian efforts.
Following the observances at The Carter Center, Carter’s remains will be transported to Washington, D.C., on January 7 for another phase of respect. The funeral procession will include significant stops at the U.S. Navy Memorial and the U.S. Capitol, where Carter will lie in state for public viewing.
The public may pay their respects at the U.S. Capitol Rotunda starting on January 7 until January 9; the eventual funeral service will take place at the Washington National Cathedral, featuring remarks from multiple former presidents. Among them, President Joe Biden is expected to deliver praise for Carter’s legacy and service, highlighting his extraordinary life dedicated to public service and humanitarian causes.
After the national service, the ceremony will culminate with the private interment on January 9, 2025, next to his beloved wife, Rosalynn. Emphasizing this sentimental return to his origins, VIPs and the grieving public are invited to line the motorcade route through Plains, where Carter’s whimsical legacy still inspires those lucky enough to call Georgia home.
Jimmy Carter’s life story, marked by the perseverance of his upbringing and the heights of his political achievements, will shine as those across America and worldwide continue to reflect on his contributions. Established post-presidency efforts through The Carter Center continue to set high standards for humanitarian action, adding significant depth to Carter's legacy as he embarks on his next great adventure, remembered and honored by many.
The president's commitment to peace, advocacy, and service substantiated his standing as not just another political figure but as a genuine beacon of humanity. Carter's legacy will resonate through the ages as both public and private tributes carry his memory and ideals forth.