Former President Jimmy Carter, who passed away at the age of 100 on December 29, is being honored with three days of state funeral rites in Washington. His remains, which have been lying in repose at the Carter Presidential Center in Atlanta, will be transported to Washington on Tuesday morning. The journey will begin with Special Air Mission 39 departing from Dobbins Air Reserve Base and arriving at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland.
A motorcade will then carry Carter's casket into Washington and the Capitol, where members of Congress will pay their respects at an afternoon service. Following this, Carter will lie in state on Tuesday night and Wednesday before a state funeral at Washington National Cathedral on Thursday, where President Joe Biden will deliver a eulogy.
As the nation mourns the loss of the 39th president, various ceremonial rituals will take place, including a military honor guard carrying the flag-draped casket up the Capitol steps. Notably, Carter's hearse will stop at the U.S. Navy Memorial, paying tribute to his unique status as the only U.S. Naval Academy graduate to become commander in chief.
Despite his outsider status in Washington, Carter's presidency left a lasting impact. Known for his simplicity and humility, Carter often eschewed traditional trappings of power. He was a president who preferred to be addressed by his familiar name rather than his full title, James Earl Carter Jr., and famously wore a cardigan while addressing the nation from the White House.
Reflecting on Carter's legacy, many now appreciate his post-presidential work, including his advocacy for democracy, public health, and human rights through The Carter Center. As mourners gather to pay their respects, they remember a man who, despite facing challenges during his presidency, dedicated himself to making a positive impact on the world.
