Former US President Jimmy Carter Honored with Dignified State Funeral Services
Today, January 9, 2025, the United States bids a final farewell to its 39th President, Jimmy Carter, as he is honored with a state funeral service at the Washington National Cathedral in Washington D.C. ¹. The ceremony is a culmination of a series of events that began with President Carter lying in state at the U.S. Capitol.
The state funeral service, which started at 10 a.m. EST, was attended by invited guests, including President Joe Biden, First Lady Jill Biden, members of Congress, the Presidential Cabinet, the Supreme Court, and foreign dignitaries ². The ceremony featured musical performances, tributes, and eulogies, all celebrating the life and legacy of President Carter.
The ceremony at the Washington National Cathedral began with the arrival of President Carter's motorcade, which was met with a 21-gun salute and the playing of "Hail to the Chief" ¹. The casket was then carried into the cathedral by a military honor guard, accompanied by President Carter's family and dignitaries.
The service featured musical performances by the U.S. Marine Orchestra, the Armed Forces Chorus, and the Cathedral Choir ². Tributes were paid by Steve Ford, Ted Mondale, Stu Eizenstat, Jason Carter, and President Joe Biden, all highlighting President Carter's commitment to public service, humanitarian work, and his faith ².
Following the state funeral service, President Carter's casket was taken to Joint Base Andrews in Maryland, where it was loaded onto a plane for the journey to Georgia ². The plane, designated as Special Air Mission 39, was met with a ceremony at Lawson Army Airfield in Fort Moore, Georgia, where President Carter's casket was transferred to a hearse ².
The motorcade then proceeded to Maranatha Baptist Church in Plains, Georgia, where a private funeral service was held ². The service featured musical performances and eulogies, and was attended by President Carter's family and close friends.
After the private funeral service, President Carter's motorcade proceeded through downtown Plains, Georgia, allowing the local community to pay their respects ². This was a poignant moment, as President Carter had always been proud of his roots in Plains, and had often spoken about the importance of community and public service.
As the motorcade came to a close, President Carter's casket was taken to his final resting place, where he was laid to rest with full military honors ². The ceremony marked the end of a long and distinguished career in public service, and the beginning of a new chapter in American history.
In the words of Bishop Mariann Budde, "President Carter's life was a testament to the power of faith, compassion, and public service" ¹. Today, as we bid farewell to this remarkable leader, we remember his legacy and strive to follow in his footsteps.
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