Washington: Memorial services for former U.S. President Jimmy Carter, who passed away on December 29 at the age of 100, will span six days across Georgia and Washington, D.C. Here are the key details of the funeral arrangements:
When is the Funeral?
Carter’s state funeral, a national tribute traditionally reserved for heads of state, is set to begin Saturday with ceremonies in his home state of Georgia, as announced in a schedule released by the U.S. military.
The casket bearing the late Jimmy Carter began traveling to Atlanta on the former president’s last journey through his home state https://t.co/Y9usLpnHCM pic.twitter.com/uf3TAxY4k8
— Reuters (@Reuters) January 4, 2025
Key Moments in the Funeral Procession
A motorcade will transport Carter from his hometown of Plains, Georgia, to Atlanta, with planned stops at the state capitol and the Carter Presidential Center. There, he will lie in repose until Tuesday, when he will be flown to Washington, D.C.
In Washington, Carter’s body will lie in state in the U.S. Capitol Rotunda, following a tradition that dates back to Abraham Lincoln. The last U.S. president to lie in state there was George H.W. Bush.
Members of Congress will pay their respects starting at 3 p.m. ET (2000 GMT) on Tuesday. The public will be invited to visit from 7 p.m. to midnight that evening, with additional hours from 7 a.m. on Wednesday.
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A funeral service will take place at Washington National Cathedral on Thursday at 10 a.m. ET (1500 GMT). Afterward, Carter’s body will be flown back to Georgia for a private burial in his hometown of Plains.
Public Observances
President Joe Biden declared a national day of mourning on January 9, ordering U.S. flags to be flown at half-staff for 30 days at military posts and federal buildings.
Instead of flowers, Carter’s family requested donations to the Carter Center in Atlanta, supporting its work in global health, peace, and human rights.
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To honor Carter, both the New York Stock Exchange and Nasdaq will close on Thursday, a customary gesture for deceased presidents.
