President Biden has announced that the state funeral for former President Jimmy Carter will take place in Washington, D.C., on January 9.
The day will be a National Day of Mourning for Carter, who passed away on Sunday, December 29, at the age of 100, Mr. Biden added.
“I call on the American people to assemble on that day in their respective places of worship, there to pay homage to the memory of President James Earl Carter, Jr.,” Mr. Biden stated. “I invite the people of the world who share our grief to join us in this solemn observance.”
For 30 days, Mr. Biden said that all government buildings, military installations, navy bases, and naval ships would fly the American flag at half-staff. The president said in a proclamation on Monday that the majority of the federal government will be closed on January 9 in commemoration of the day of sorrow.
Additionally, congressional leaders declared that from January 7 to January 9, Carter will lie in state in the Capitol Rotunda. “The Capitol will be open to the public during designated times for those who wish to pay their respects to President Carter,” read the statement.
Mr. Biden stated that a “major service” honoring Carter will take place in Washington, most likely in the National Cathedral. Since President George H.W. Bush passed away in 2018, this will be the first funeral for a former president.
The state funeral is one of three stages that will take place over the course of seven to ten days. In Georgia, where he spent the majority of his life, there will be memorials and festivities in the first phase.
The Pentagon said the next step is ceremonies in Washington, which could include U.S. Armed Forces Reserve units, the National Guard, top military bands from other service academies, and Armed Forces honor guards.
Carter will lay in state in the U.S. Capitol rotunda, the Carter Center said Monday.
Ceremonies in the state where the former president has decided to be buried are the next step. Carter’s hometown of Plains, Georgia, will host a private ceremony, according to the Carter Center.
Who will probably show up for Carter’s funeral?
According to Mr. Biden’s prior statements, Carter wanted him to give the eulogy at his funeral. Jill Biden, the first lady, is probably going to be there as well.
It’s common for previous presidents and first ladies to attend a former president’s funeral, so George and Laura Bush, Bill and Hillary Clinton, and Barack and Michelle Obama are likely to be present.
Will Carter’s funeral be attended by Trump?
Donald Trump, the incoming president, has not yet disclosed his plans. All of the former first ladies, including his wife Melania Trump, attended Rosalynn Carter’s burial in 2023, but he did not.
George H.W. Bush, who passed away in 2018 while Trump was in the White House, was the most recent past president to pass away. Trump and Melania Trump attended Bush’s funeral in Washington.
Regarding Carter, Trump said in two remarks on Sunday night that “we all owe him a debt of gratitude.”