Headline
Upcoming Week's Details on Jimmy Carter's Official State Funeral
The funeral service for former President Jimmy Carter, featuring a eulogy from current President Joe Biden, will take place on January 9 in Washington D.C., just 14 days before President-elect Donald Trump assumes office. Additional events are planned in Washington D.C. and Georgia.
Key Points
Atlanta's Carter Presidential Center will host a service for the late president (who passed away at 100 on Sunday in Plains, Georgia) on January 4 at 4 p.m. Carter's body will be on display there until January 7, as per information from the joint task force organizing the events. Before arriving in Atlanta, Carter will pay his respects at his childhood home in Plains and the Georgia State Capitol on January 4.
Subsequently, Carter's family will travel to Washington D.C. on January 7, leading a procession from the U.S. Navy Memorial to the U.S. Capitol. Carter will lie in state there for two days, and a service for congressional members is scheduled for January 7.
The state funeral for Carter will commence at 10 a.m. on January 9 at Washington National Cathedral, with President Biden reportedly delivering the eulogy, as revealed last year. Jason Carter, Grandson of the former president and Chairman of the Carter Center, will also speak. Eulogies written by Gerald Ford and Walter Mondale will be read by their sons, as reported by The New York Times.
Carter will be interred in Plains, Georgia, on January 9, alongside his late wife Rosalynn Carter, who passed away at 96 last year.
What is a State Funeral?
State funerals are typically week-long events held to honor current or former presidents who have passed away, consisting of services in their home state, Washington D.C., and their chosen burial location. Announcements of former president deaths are made by the sitting president, who then instructs the Department of Defense to conduct the state funeral. State funeral events may include participation from military bands, honor guards, and U.S. Armed Forces Reserve units.
Are the Events Open to the Public?
Public viewings will occur at the Carter Presidential Center in Atlanta and the U.S. Capitol throughout several days, according to the joint task force. The public can also line the funeral procession route in Washington, D.C., on the afternoon of January 7, and may view Carter's motorcade in Georgia or Washington D.C.
Will Trump and Other Former Presidents Attend the Funeral?
The participation of former presidents in Carter's funeral has yet to be confirmed, though they usually attend state funerals. Trump has not yet indicated if he will attend. In 2018, all living former presidents attended the funeral for former President George H.W. Bush. Trump, Bush, and Obama did not attend Rosalynn Carter's funeral, but Michelle Obama, Laura Bush, and Melania Trump did.
When will Flags Remain at Half-Staff?
Biden ordered flags at federal and military buildings to fly at half-staff for the next 30 days, which includes the day of Trump's inauguration on January 20.
Will the Stock Exchange Close?
The New York Stock Exchange will close on January 9 in observance of the National Day of Mourning, as it did in 2018 for George H.W. Bush's funeral.
What Else is Closed on Jan. 9?
Federal agencies and executive departments will be closed on January 9, as announced by Biden, with some remaining open for national security or public needs.
Related News
Carter died on Sunday, becoming the oldest former president in history. His death sparked widespread tributes, including from Biden, who described him as "a man of character, courage, and compassion who defined himself as one of the most influential statesmen in our history." Despite their disagreements, Trump offered his condolences to Carter's family.
Additional Reading
Former President Jimmy Carter Dies at 100 (Information from our website)
Carter Funeral Service to Take Place at Washington National Cathedral on Jan. 9 (New York Times)
In the upcoming events, President Joe Biden isset to deliver a eulogy at the state funeral for former President Jimmy Carter on January 9. Despite the upcoming inauguration of President-elect Donald Trump on January 20, flags will continue to fly at half-staff for the next 30 days, as ordered by President Biden.
