In a moving tribute held on Thursday at the Washington National Cathedral, Jimmy Carter was honored for his remarkable humility and lifetime of public service, both during his presidency and afterward. The ceremony was marked by the grandeur that Carter himself often shunned.
The event saw the presence of all living U.S. presidents, with President Joe Biden, who was the first sitting senator to back Carter’s presidential campaign in 1976, delivering a heartfelt eulogy. Biden and several others recognized Carter’s contributions, emphasizing that historians have increasingly acknowledged his legacy in a more favorable light since his defeat for a second term in 1980.
Joshua Carter, one of Carter’s grandsons, shared anecdotes that highlighted his grandfather’s lifelong dedication to helping others. “He built homes for those in need,” Joshua recalled, “and taught Sunday school in Plains, Georgia, well after his presidency.” He added that Carter took significant strides in combating diseases in neglected regions of the world and tirelessly advocated for peace globally.
Jason Carter, another grandson, also commended both his grandfather and his late grandmother, Rosalynn. He humorously mentioned their modest lifestyle, including unconventional habits like reusing Ziploc bags, while noting Carter’s humorous challenges with technology like cellphones. “They were humble people who never forgot their roots,” stated Jason, who currently leads the Carter Center, a significant humanitarian organization founded by Carter post-presidency.
The service provided a rare instance of unity in a politically divided nation. Former President Barack Obama and President-elect Donald Trump, both public adversaries, sat next to one another, engaging in conversation and sharing moments of levity during the proceedings.
Biden, in his remarks, repeatedly highlighted “character” as Carter’s most significant quality, urging the audience to emulate his commitment to treating everyone with dignity. He emphasized, “We must not allow hatred to find a comfortable place in our society,” advocating for standing against power abused.
Before the service commenced, Trump was seen exchanging pleasantries with his former vice president, Mike Pence, in an uncharacteristically cordial interaction. In contrast, Vice President Kamala Harris arrived later but did not interact with Trump.
Jimmy Carter passed away on December 29 at the age of 100. Notably, two eulogies were delivered by former leaders who died prior to him, including his vice president Walter Mondale and his predecessor Gerald Ford.
In a testament from Ford, read by his son, he noted, “While briefly rivals, our friendship grew over the many years that followed, akin to that of John Adams and Thomas Jefferson.” Although Carter triumphed over Ford in the 1976 election, both former presidents developed a close friendship, with Carter delivering Ford’s eulogy as well.
The days of commemorative ceremonies have celebrated Carter’s integrity and industrious spirit beyond mere political achievement. The proceedings began with military honors as his flag-draped casket was transferred from the Capitol, where he had lain in state, accompanied by a 21-gun salute.
Inside the cathedral, the Armed Forces Chorus performed “Be Still My Soul” as Carter’s casket entered. Among the speakers was Andrew Young, a notable civil rights leader and former U.N. ambassador, who spoke warmly about his long-standing friendship with Carter, which crossed racial divides during the era of segregation.
The farewell ceremonies concluded a six-day national mourning that initiated in Plains, Georgia, where Carter was born and spent a significant portion of his life, marking the end of his 22-month hospice care. After the service in Washington, Carter’s family will return his remains to Georgia aboard the presidential aircraft, the Boeing 747 that serves as Air Force One when the president is present.
Carter will be commemorated later in a funeral service at Maranatha Baptist Church, the same venue where he taught Sunday school for decades. He will rest beneath a wooden cross he crafted himself in his woodshop after being laid to rest next to his wife Rosalynn on family property.
As president, Carter promised to advocate for honesty and effective governance amidst public disillusionment following events like the Vietnam War and Watergate. His administration saw significant legislative achievements and brokered a monumental peace treaty between Israel and Egypt, despite facing challenges like inflation and the Iran hostage crisis, which marred his presidency leading to a decisive loss against Ronald Reagan in 1980.
Reflecting on Carter’s presidency, former aide Stu Eizenstat utilized his eulogy to offer a re-evaluation of Carter’s impact. He highlighted pivotal actions like deregulating transportation industries, initiating energy research reforms, and establishing the Federal Emergency Management Agency, as well as securing the release of hostages in Iran, although that occurred after his defeat. “While he may not belong on Mount Rushmore, he certainly deserves a place in the foothills,” Eizenstat concluded.
