The late former President Jimmy Carter will be commemorated with a national day of mourning on Thursday, coinciding with a state funeral set to take place in Washington, D.C. Carter, who passed away on December 29 at the age of 100, has been honored over the past week, first lying in repose at the Carter Presidential Center in Georgia before being transported to D.C. to lie in state at the Capitol rotunda ahead of the funeral services.
President Joe Biden has declared January 9 as a national day of mourning for Carter, who served as the 39th president from 1977 to 1981 and became a globally recognized humanitarian after his presidency.
A national day of mourning is a designated time to celebrate the life and legacy of an esteemed public figure, particularly U.S. presidents. In Carter’s case, this day aligns with his funeral, scheduled to take place at Washington National Cathedral.
The tradition of holding a national day of mourning dates back to 1865, initiated with a government shutdown following President Abraham Lincoln’s assassination. While numerous presidents have received this honor, others such as Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Robert F. Kennedy were also commemorated in similar fashion after their tragic deaths in 1968.
In honor of Carter, President Biden has ordered U.S. flags to be flown at half-staff for 30 days, a gesture typically extended to sitting or former presidents as per a 1954 proclamation by President Dwight D. Eisenhower. This means that flags will remain at half-staff until January 28, through several significant events, including the inauguration of President-elect Donald Trump on January 20.
On the national day of mourning, federal agencies will close as per an executive order issued by Biden, providing federal employees with a paid day off, although essential services related to national security and public needs will remain operational.
As the nation reflects on the life of Jimmy Carter, this day not only serves as a moment of remembrance but also highlights the enduring impact of his humanitarian efforts across the globe. It is an opportunity for individuals to celebrate a legacy dedicated to service, compassion, and advocacy for peace.
This collective remembrance provides a chance to unite as a nation, drawing inspiration from Carter’s commitment to humanitarian efforts and the values he embodied during his lifetime.