President Joe Biden has officially designated January 9 as a national day of mourning in honor of the late former President Jimmy Carter. In a heartfelt statement, Biden urged the American public to gather in their places of worship to pay tribute to Carter, reflecting on the profound impact he had on the nation.
As a sign of respect, Biden has ordered flags to be flown at half-staff on the White House and at all public buildings for 30 days following Carter’s passing. The day is expected to align with past national days of mourning, during which federal offices and stock markets were closed, akin to the observances following the deaths of former Presidents George H. W. Bush and Gerald Ford.
The schedule for Carter’s memorial services on January 9 is as follows (in Eastern Time):
– 9 a.m.: A ceremony will take place at the U.S. Capitol, marking the departure of the motorcade to Washington National Cathedral.
– 9:30 a.m.: Arrival ceremony at Washington National Cathedral.
– 10 a.m.: The National Funeral Service will begin.
– 11:15 a.m.: Carter’s family will leave the cathedral for Joint Base Andrews to fly to Georgia.
– 2 p.m.: Arrival at Lawson Army Airfield in Fort Moore, Georgia.
– 3:45 p.m.: A private funeral service at Maranatha Baptist Church in Plains, Georgia.
– 4:45 p.m.: The family will leave for Carter’s private residence.
– 5:20 p.m.: A private internment will occur next to his late wife, Rosalynn, who passed away in 2023.
On this national day of mourning, all U.S. Postal Service offices will be closed, and mail services will pause. Although federal offices will not operate, most banks will likely remain open, as there is no mandate requiring them to close. UPS and FedEx services will continue as scheduled.
Additionally, January 9 may be compounded by severe winter weather affecting parts of Texas, prompting local facilities to close due to hazardous conditions. Residents are advised to check with their local offices and stay safe during this time.
In summary, while the nation mourns the loss of Jimmy Carter, the day also serves as a reminder of the winter challenges that some parts of the country are facing. The enduring legacy of Carter inspires a shared commitment to community resilience, compassion, and remembrance during this significant moment for the American people.