The state funeral for former President Jimmy Carter, who passed away on December 29, 2024, commenced on Saturday and will unfold over the course of six days, enabling the nation to mourn and honor the legacy of the 39th U.S. president.
The solemn procession began around 10:15 a.m. when the Carter family arrived at Phoebe Sumter Medical Center in Americus, Georgia. Former and current members of the U.S. Secret Service’s Carter Protective Division carried his remains to the hearse.
At approximately 10:30 a.m., the motorcade departed the medical center, traveling through Plains, where Carter grew up. A flower drop was organized at a monument located in the downtown square of Americus. The procession paused briefly at Carter’s childhood home, during which the National Park Service paid tribute by saluting and ringing a historic farm bell 39 times.
Carter’s journey continued to Atlanta, arriving around 3 p.m. where the motorcade paused at the Georgia State Capitol for a moment of silence, attended by state officials including Governor Brian Kemp and Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens. The procession then moved to the Carter Presidential Center for an arrival ceremony.
A private service occurred at 4 p.m. at the center, following which Carter’s remains will lie in repose, allowing mourners the opportunity to pay their respects until 6 a.m. on January 7. On that day, Carter will depart for Washington, D.C., on Special Air Mission 39, culminating in a funeral procession and lying in state at the U.S. Capitol.
The public will have opportunities to pay respects from the evening of January 7 through January 9. The national funeral service is scheduled for January 8 at Washington National Cathedral, before Carter’s remains are returned to Georgia for final interment at Maranatha Baptist Church in Plains.
In a gesture honoring his service, President Joe Biden ordered a state funeral and declared January 9 a day of closure for federal agencies, except those necessary for national security and public need.
The series of events reflects the national significance of President Carter’s contributions, embodying a moment of unity and remembrance for all those he influenced throughout his life. As the country comes together to celebrate his legacy, it serves as a powerful reminder of the impact one leader can have on the nation and the world.