The passing of former President Jimmy Carter will mark a significant occasion in American history as he will receive a state funeral, a rare event reserved for distinguished leaders. The Carter Center has announced that public commemorations honoring Carter's legacy will take place in Atlanta and Washington, DC, followed by a private interment in Plains, Georgia.
Details regarding the final arrangements for Carter's state funeral are still pending, with the schedule expected to be released by the Joint Task Force - National Capital Region. This task force is responsible for overseeing the various stages of a state funeral, which typically spans 7 to 10 days and includes ceremonies in the former president's home state, Washington, DC, and the state of interment.
Notably, the last president to receive a state funeral was George H.W. Bush in 2018, where dignitaries and family members gathered at the Washington National Cathedral to bid farewell to the 41st president. Among the attendees were Carter himself, former President George W. Bush, Bill Clinton, Barack Obama, and then-President Donald Trump.
President Joe Biden has expressed his intention to order an official state funeral in Washington, D.C., to honor Carter's contributions to the nation. Following a former president's passing, the Defense Department is appointed to oversee the funeral arrangements, with the commander of Joint Task Force National Capital Region leading the ceremonies.
While military guidelines dictate the general framework of state funerals, the specific details, such as the number, location, and sequence of public ceremonies, are often determined by the wishes of the deceased president's family. It is customary for presidents to be involved in planning their own funerals, ensuring that their final send-off reflects their legacy and values.
