On Thursday, the nation observed a day of mourning in remembrance of former President Jimmy Carter, as declared by President Joe Biden. Jan. 9 marks a moment for Americans to gather at their places of worship to pay tribute to the 39th president.
In recognition of this solemn occasion, the United States Postal Service halted mail operations, closing postal offices for the day. However, the USPS has indicated there will still be limited package deliveries to maintain its package service integrity.
Additionally, both the New York Stock Exchange and Nasdaq took the rare step of closing, a measure historically reserved for honoring deceased presidents—a practice that dates back to 1865 after President Abraham Lincoln’s assassination. This marks one of the few closures of Wall Street for this purpose, with the last incident occurring in 2018 after the passing of former President George H.W. Bush.
In line with the observance, many government agencies and executive departments also closed, guided by an executive order from Biden. Nonetheless, specific offices remained operational for reasons related to national security and public necessity.
Moreover, Chief Justice John Roberts ordered the Supreme Court building to be closed for the day, along with certain national parks and monuments as directed by the National Park Service.
This day of reflection not only honors the legacy of Jimmy Carter but also highlights the collective respect for leaders who have shaped American history. His lifelong dedication to humanitarian work and public service inspires many, contributing to a legacy that resonates beyond his time in office.