Jimmy Carter was honored on Thursday during a funeral held at the Washington National Cathedral, reflecting on his humility and commitment to public service throughout his life and presidency. This service, marked by an impressive display of respect, was followed by a more personal ceremony in his hometown, near the place of his birth a century ago.
All of Carter’s living presidential successors paid their respects in Washington. Included in the ceremony was President Joe Biden, who was the first sitting senator to support Carter’s 1976 presidential campaign. During his eulogy, Biden, along with others, highlighted Carter’s legacy, which many historians have come to view more positively since he was defeated in the 1980 election.
The events in both Washington and Plains, Georgia, presented a rare opportunity for bipartisan unity in today’s often divisive political climate, showcasing the life of a leader who was once deemed a political failure. In the years that followed, however, his significant impact on both national and international fronts became widely recognized.
Joshua Carter, one of the former president’s grandsons, shared heartfelt memories, detailing how his grandfather dedicated time to building homes for those in need and taught Sunday school in Plains long after leaving office. He emphasized Carter’s contributions towards eradicating diseases and fostering peace across the globe.
Another grandson, Jason Carter, humorously captured the couple’s thriftiness, recalling simple habits like washing and reusing plastic bags, as well as his grandfather’s challenges with technology. He emphasized that despite their immense accomplishments, they remained grounded in their small-town roots.
During the national service, an unusual moment occurred when former President Barack Obama and President-elect Donald Trump, who have exchanged numerous barbs over the years, engaged in conversation side-by-side, even sharing a couple of laughs. Trump was seen greeting his former Vice President Mike Pence, an encounter marred by their previous fallout over the 2020 presidential election. Vice President Kamala Harris arrived later but had no visible interactions with Trump.
Biden, noting that he has only a short time left in office, frequently highlighted Carter’s core value of “character,” declaring that everyone should be treated with respect and dignity. He condemned the idea of allowing hate to take hold in society and stressed the importance of resisting the abuse of power, subtly reiterating criticism towards Trump.
In Plains, Carter’s personal pastor, Tony Lowden, remarked on the timely nature of Carter’s death as the country entered a new congressional session. Although he omitted mentioning Trump directly, Lowden called for the nation to prioritize the greater good over self-interest, urging listeners to “Let faith and hope be our guardrails.”
Carter, who passed away at the age of 100, lived longer than two of the people delivering eulogies—his vice president, Walter Mondale, and his predecessor, Gerald Ford. A heartfelt eulogy was delivered by Ford’s son, reflecting on the transition from political rivalry to lasting friendship following their respective presidencies.
The ceremonies honoring Carter featured involvement from various political figures and citizens, celebrating his integrity and relentless work ethic that extended beyond just the accumulation of political power.
The proceedings began early Thursday as military personnel carried Carter’s casket, draped in the American flag, down the east steps of the U.S. Capitol, where he had lain in state. This was followed by a traditional 21-gun salute.
At the cathedral, the Armed Forces Chorus serenaded attendees with the hymn “Be Still My Soul” before Carter’s casket was solemnly brought inside. Former Atlanta Mayor and U.N. Ambassador Andrew Young, a close friend of Carter’s, addressed the crowd, reflecting on their unique bond that transcended racial divides during a time of segregation.
Thursday’s events marked the culmination of six days of tributes that began in Plains, where Carter, a former Naval officer and peanut farmer, had spent most of his life before passing away after a long illness. Following the ceremony, his family returned to Georgia on a Boeing 747 typically used for presidential travel.
Carter’s second service was held at Maranatha Baptist Church, a community hub where he had led Sunday school for many years. His casket was placed beneath a cross handcrafted by him in his woodshop.
As the cortege made its way through Plains, passing significant sites from his political career, Carter was laid to rest on family grounds next to his wife Rosalynn, who passed earlier in 2023. Throughout his presidency, Carter advocated for transparency and good governance, signing critical legislation and facilitating a historic peace treaty between Israel and Egypt, despite encountering challenges like inflation and the Iran hostage crisis.
In his eulogy, former aide Stu Eizenstat sought to reshape the narrative around Carter’s presidency, emphasizing the successes overlooked at the time, including significant deregulation efforts and the formation of FEMA. He asserted that while Carter may not achieve legendary status in presidential rankings, he certainly holds a crucial place in history.
