The US has announced that former President Jimmy Carter’s state funeral will take place on 9 January at the Washington National Cathedral, as part of a national day of mourning for the longest-lived US president.
Walter Mondale, who during his lifetime, served as Carter’s vice-president, had made plans to give the eulogy for his former boss, but he unfortunately died in 2021.
Now, Mondale’s son will read the eulogy at the funeral, according to the New York Times.
In accordance with the US customs of marking the death of important figures and leaders, President Joe Biden has ordered US flags on federal properties to be flown at half-staff for 30 days.
Additionally, a public viewing at the US Capitol where people will file through the building’s rotunda to pay respects, (including lawmakers and everyday Americans) will be observed.
Afterwards, Carter will be buried on his family’s property, besides his wife, Rosalynn, who died aged 96 in November 2023.
President Joe Biden has already asked that 9 January be used to pay homage to America’s 39th president, James Earl Carter Jr.
“He embodied the very best of America: A humble servant of God and the people,” he was quoted as saying in a statement.
Other US leaders, past and present have also put out statements praising Carter’s life and work, including former presidents Bill Clinton and George W Bush.
Trump wrote on Truth Social that even though he and Carter clashed philosophically, Carter was “a truly good man” and had his “highest respect”.
Also, former President Barack Obama had said Carter “taught all of us what it means to live a life of grace, dignity, justice and service”.
Carter, who was a former Georgia peanut farmer turned Naval officer turned US president, had held office from 1977-1981.
During his tenure in the White House, he championed causes for global peace, the environment and human rights, and later earned a Nobel Peace Prize in 2002.
One of his most foremost achievements in office was brokering a peace deal in the Middle East between Egypt in Israel.
