Jimmy Carter is Honored with Washington Funeral, Georgia Burial to Follow/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Jimmy Carter, the 39th U.S. president, will be honored with a Washington National Cathedral funeral followed by a burial in his Georgia hometown of Plains. Tributes highlight his humanitarian work, presidential achievements, and deep faith. President Joe Biden and living successors will attend, marking a rare moment of unity in American politics.
Jimmy Carter’s Final Farewell: Quick Looks
- National Honors: Washington funeral with President Biden delivering the eulogy.
- Georgia Burial: Service at Maranatha Baptist Church, followed by burial in Plains.
- Legacy Highlights: Nobel Peace Prize winner remembered for humanitarianism and global advocacy.
- Prominent Guests: Living presidents, including President-elect Trump, and notable public figures.
- Carter’s Achievements: Israel-Egypt peace deal, energy reforms, and humanitarian outreach.
- Cultural Tribute: Music from Garth Brooks, Trisha Yearwood, and U.S. Marine Orchestra.
Jimmy Carter to be Honored with Washington Funeral, Georgia Burial to Follow
Deep Look
Jimmy Carter, the 39th president of the United States, will be laid to rest after a week of heartfelt tributes. The nation’s farewell to a leader revered for his humanitarian contributions and unyielding integrity begins with a state funeral at Washington National Cathedral and concludes with a burial in Plains, Georgia, where Carter’s life began and ended.
A Rare Gathering of Presidents
President Joe Biden, Carter’s earliest senatorial supporter in the 1976 election, will lead the tributes in Washington. All living U.S. presidents, including President-elect Donald Trump, are expected to attend, highlighting a moment of unity in an otherwise polarized political climate. Trump joined thousands of Americans in paying respects at the Capitol Rotunda, where Carter’s casket lay in state earlier this week.
The funeral also serves as a stage for tributes from world leaders, celebrities, and ordinary citizens who admired Carter’s humility and commitment to service. Bill Gates, reflecting on Carter’s legacy, praised his dedication to global health and humanitarian causes.
Georgia Farewell: A Personal Touch
Carter’s remains will return to Plains, Georgia, aboard Air Force One following the Washington service. At Maranatha Baptist Church, where Carter taught Sunday school for decades, family and friends will gather for an intimate ceremony. The service will feature hymns like “Let There Be Peace on Earth,” performed beneath a wooden cross Carter handcrafted in his workshop.
The day will culminate with a burial on family land beside his wife Rosalynn, to whom he was married for over 77 years. The couple’s enduring partnership was a cornerstone of their public and private lives.
Carter’s Legacy in Focus
Carter’s single term as president from 1977 to 1981 saw notable achievements and challenges. He brokered the historic Camp David Accords between Israel and Egypt, normalized U.S.-China relations, and established the Departments of Energy and Education. However, his presidency also faced economic struggles and the Iran hostage crisis, which significantly impacted his re-election bid in 1980.
Beyond the White House, Carter’s work through The Carter Center transformed global health and human rights advocacy. His efforts to combat diseases like Guinea worm and promote free elections worldwide earned him a Nobel Peace Prize in 2002.
Cultural and Musical Tributes
Carter’s love of music will be reflected throughout the day. In Washington, the U.S. Marine Orchestra will perform the Navy hymn, “Eternal Father, Strong to Save,” honoring Carter as the only Naval Academy graduate to become president. Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood, longtime friends and Habitat for Humanity ambassadors, will sing John Lennon’s “Imagine.”
A Final Ride Through Plains
Before his burial, Carter’s casket will take a final journey through Plains, passing the landmarks of his life, including the old train depot that served as his 1976 campaign headquarters. The route underscores his deep connection to his hometown and the values of humility and service that defined his life.
You must Register or Login to post a comment.