WASHINGTON — The final day of memorial services for Jimmy Carter, the nation’s 39th president who passed away on December 29, has been scheduled with significant events set to unfold throughout the day. All times mentioned are in Eastern Time.
Beginning at 9 a.m., Jimmy Carter’s casket will leave the U.S. Capitol, setting off on a funeral motorcade to Washington National Cathedral. By 9:30 a.m., the motorcade is expected to arrive at the cathedral, where a heartfelt tribute will commence.
At 10 a.m., the funeral will officially start, featuring notable speakers including Steve Ford, who will recite remarks penned by his late father, former President Gerald Ford. Additionally, Ted Mondale will share words from his father, the late Vice President Walter Mondale. Other speakers will include former Carter adviser Stu Eizenstat, Jason Carter, one of the grandchildren of Jimmy Carter, and President Joe Biden, who is anticipated to deliver remarks honoring the former president.
Following the service at 11:15 a.m., Carter’s remains, accompanied by family members, will leave the cathedral en route to Joint Base Andrews. At approximately 11:45 a.m., they will board Special Air Mission 39, the designated aircraft that functions as Air Force One when the current president is on board.
By 2 p.m., Special Air Mission 39 will arrive at Lawson Army Airfield located at Fort Moore, Georgia. A ceremonial transfer of Carter’s remains to a hearse will take place, after which the family will travel by motorcade to Plains, Georgia.
The motorcade is expected to reach Maranatha Baptist Church in Plains by 3:30 p.m., where a private funeral service will commence for invited guests at 3:45 p.m. Subsequently, at 4:45 p.m., attendees will be escorted from the church to the Carter family residence.
To honor Carter’s contributions to the Navy and his role as commander in chief, a U.S. Navy missing man formation flyover will occur at 5:20 p.m. This will be followed by a private graveside service and interment, allowing for a solemn farewell to the former president.
In a recent update, it was clarified that it will be Carter’s grandson who will share reflections at the Washington memorial, rather than his son.
