Former President Jimmy Carter is being honored with a state funeral on Thursday in Washington, D.C. A significant gathering of all five living former and current U.S. presidents was evident at the ceremony, yet notable was the absence of former First Lady Michelle Obama.
While former President Barack Obama attended the funeral, he was without Michelle, who, according to journalist Jeff Zeleny on CNN, had scheduling conflicts and remains in Hawaii. It is presumed that she would have traditionally seated next to her husband, alongside President-elect Donald Trump.
The state funeral for Carter, the 39th President of the United States, comes after he passed away at the age of 100 on December 29 at his home in Plains, Georgia. Carter was the longest-living president in U.S. history and had spent nearly two years in at-home hospice care prior to his passing. His remains were flown from Atlanta to D.C. on Special Air Mission 39, where a series of ceremonial honors unfolded.
Remarkably, Trump and Obama were seen sharing a light moment and a brief conversation prior to taking their seats, and the participation of other prominent figures, including former Vice Presidents, added to the solemnity and respect of the event.
In conjunction with the state funeral, President Joe Biden declared the day a national day of mourning for Carter, honoring his enduring legacy as a leader and humanitarian.
As people gather to pay their final respects, it’s a reminder of the impact that former President Carter had on the nation. His commitment to public service and his life’s work will surely resonate for generations to come.
This event, while marked by somber remembrance, also serves to bring together leaders of different eras, highlighting unity, respect, and the shared responsibility of public service. It is a moment for reflection on a life dedicated to serving others.