President Carter's state funeral scheduled for Jan. 9

By Shirleen Guerra
The Center Square

The late President Jimmy Carter, who died Sunday, will be honored with a state funeral at Washington National Cathedral on Jan. 9, 2025.

President Joe Biden declared it a national day of mourning and ordered flags to be flown at half-staff for 30 consecutive days to honor the 39th president's legacy. The former president and 2002 Nobel Peace Prize winner passed away at his home in Plains, Georgia, surrounded by his family.

Biden said the former president "was a man of great character and courage, hope and optimism." The planned ceremonies aim to honor Carter's presidency as the nation bids farewell to the 39th president.

The ceremony will reflect Carter's life and service. His casket will lie in repose at The Carter Center in Atlanta, Georgia, where the public can pay their respects. Subsequently, he will lie in state in the U.S. Capital Rotunda in Washington, D.C., before a private ceremony in Plains, Georgia, where he will be buried beside his wife, Rosalynn.

The Joint Task Force National Capital Region, an office within the Department of Defense, handles the national tribute.

Biden, who has expressed deep admiration for Carter, is expected to deliver a Eulogy and fulfill a previous request by Carter before his passing.

Carter's presidency was marked by impactful moments, including the Camp David Accords between Egypt and Israel and the Panama Canal treaties. His term also faced challenges, such as economic difficulties and the Iran hostage crisis, leading to a single-term presidency.

According to Gallup polling data, Carter's presidential approval ratings peaked at 75% in March 1977 but declined to 34% by the end of his term in 1981.

Still, despite these hurdles, Carter's post-presidential years were recognized by humanitarian efforts through The Carter Center, which focused on global health, democracy promotion, and conflict resolution, leading to his 2002 Nobel Peace Prize.