The United States began its ceremonies honoring former President Jimmy Carter on Saturday, who died on December 29 at the age of 100. The ceremonies began in his home state of Georgia and will continue until the national day of mourning on January 9, according to France 24.
Serving as a Democratic president from 1977 to 1981, Carter is remembered globally as a peacemaker, and his humanitarian work after his presidency earned him the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002. Following the announcement of his death, tributes poured in from around the world.
The first of these six days of ceremonies began at 10:15 a.m. on Saturday (3:15 p.m. GMT) when Secret Service agents, responsible for protecting political figures, carried his casket.
The procession first moved through Plains, his beloved hometown, where many gathered along the streets waving small American flags to pay their respects.
In front of the family farm where he grew up, the bell rang 39 times in honor of the 39th president of the United States.
The procession then proceeded to Atlanta, Georgia’s capital, where a moment of reflection was held in front of the state capitol. There, Carter had served as a state senator before becoming governor.
The hearse then continued to the Carter Center, a foundation founded in 1982 by the former president and his wife, Rosalynn Carter, who died in 2023. His work with the foundation, which focuses on conflict resolution, democracy promotion, and public health worldwide, earned him special praise from the Director-General of the World Health Organization.
From 7:00 p.m. Saturday to 6:00 a.m. Tuesday, Americans are invited to pay their respects at the former president’s remains.
On Tuesday morning, his family will accompany Jimmy Carter aboard the official aircraft, “Special Air Mission 39,” to Washington. A motorcade will then take him to the U.S. Navy Memorial. Carter, a 1946 graduate of the Naval Academy and former submariner, will be honored there.
Outgoing President Joe Biden, 82, will deliver the eulogy, praising Carter for his “integrity.” His successor, 78-year-old Republican Donald Trump, who was not particularly close to Carter, has also announced his attendance.
Former Presidents Bill Clinton, George W. Bush, and Barack Obama are also expected to attend.