Official State Funeral for Former President Jimmy Carter
Former President Jimmy Carter died at his Georgia home on Sunday, Dec. 29 at the age of 100.
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| Jimmy Carter, the 39th US president, dies at age 100 |
President Joe Biden has ordered an official state funeral to be held in Washington, D.C.
Presidential funerals can take years to plan out and the details are usually kept secret between close family members and the U.S. Army Military District of Washington.
The arrangements are not announced until after a president dies.
The plans for Carter's funeral have not been announced at this time, but shortly after the news of his passing came out, President Joe Biden said he is ordering an official state funeral to be held in Washington, D.C.
The president, former presidents and president-elect are all entitled to a state funeral, but then family decides if they actually get one, or just how involved it will be.
The family will provide details of the funeral plans to the Washington Military District, which is in charge of implementing them.
Plans for his funeral will be announced in the coming days.
| The last presidential funeral took place in 2018, upon the death of George H. W. Bush. Former presidents, like Carter, are entitled to a state funeral, which historically been five days in length, and involved a procession down Pennsylvania Avenue, lying in state in the U.S. Capitol rotunda, and a service at Washington National Cathedral. |
Statement by President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden on the Passing of Former President Jimmy Carter:
Today, America and the world lost an extraordinary leader, statesman, and humanitarian.
Over six decades, we had the honor of calling Jimmy Carter a dear friend. But, what’s extraordinary about Jimmy Carter, though, is that millions of people throughout America and the world who never met him thought of him as a dear friend as well.
With his compassion and moral clarity, he worked to eradicate disease, forge peace, advance civil rights and human rights, promote free and fair elections, house the homeless, and always advocate for the least among us. He saved, lifted, and changed the lives of people all across the globe.
He was a man of great character and courage, hope and optimism. We will always cherish seeing him and Rosalynn together. The love shared between Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter is the definition of partnership and their humble leadership is the definition of patriotism.
We will miss them both dearly, but take solace knowing they are reunited once again and will remain forever in our hearts.
To the entire Carter family, we send our gratitude for sharing them with America and the world. To their staff – from the earliest days to the final ones – we have no doubt that you will continue to do the good works that carry on their legacy.
And to all of the young people in this nation and for anyone in search of what it means to live a life of purpose and meaning – the good life – study Jimmy Carter, a man of principle, faith, and humility. He showed that we are great nation because we are a good people – decent and honorable, courageous and compassionate, humble and strong.
To honor a great American, I will be ordering an official state funeral to be held in Washington D.C. for James Earl Carter, Jr., 39th President of the United States, 76th Governor of Georgia, Lieutenant of the United States Navy, graduate of the United States Naval Academy, and favorite son of Plains, Georgia, who gave his full life in service to God and country.
