Crowds in Georgia and beyond pay heartfelt respects, commemorating a life dedicated to service and humility.
Farewell to a Great Leader: Remembering Jimmy Carter's Legacy
Farewell to a Great Leader: Remembering Jimmy Carter's Legacy
As Americans gather for a week-long state funeral, tributes flow for the beloved 39th US president.
The nation is uniting in mourning as it bids farewell to Jimmy Carter, the 39th president of the United States, who passed away last month at the age of 100. The state funeral began with a stirring procession from Carter's hometown of Plains, Georgia, to Atlanta, kicking off a six-day public tribute to a leader fondly remembered for his kindness and commitment to humanitarian efforts.
Mourners from across the state and around the globe flocked to Atlanta to honor Carter and support his family. Among them was Heather Brooks, who expressed admiration for Carter, calling him “powerful yet so humble” and a man who made significant contributions not only to America but the world.
Paige Alexander, director of the Carter Center, echoed those thoughts, emphasizing the president's sincerity and integrity. “A politician who respected others, regardless of different viewpoints,” she noted, highlighting a quality that feels rare in today’s political climate.
The scene outside the Carter Center was filled with tributes—flowers, handwritten notes, and bags of peanuts, symbolizing his roots as a peanut farmer. Jill Stuckey, a close friend of the Carters, reminisced fondly about the couple's long-standing commitment to helping others, expressing how difficult it will be to live in a world without President Carter.
The procession honored significant locations from Carter’s life, including the Methodist church where he married Rosalynn in 1946 and his childhood home, now part of the Jimmy Carter National Historical Park, which rang its bell 39 times to commemorate the former president.
Georgia’s Governor Brian Kemp led a moment of silence outside the state capitol. Mourners will have the opportunity to pay their respects at the presidential library on January 5 and 6, before Carter lies in state at the US Capitol.
On January 9, Washington National Cathedral will hold a service celebrating Carter's life, expected to be attended by several former presidents. Jason Carter, the late president's grandson, poignantly reflected on his grandfather's enduring legacy of love and respect, saying it is “worth celebrating” as the nation honors one of its most cherished leaders.
Mourners from across the state and around the globe flocked to Atlanta to honor Carter and support his family. Among them was Heather Brooks, who expressed admiration for Carter, calling him “powerful yet so humble” and a man who made significant contributions not only to America but the world.
Paige Alexander, director of the Carter Center, echoed those thoughts, emphasizing the president's sincerity and integrity. “A politician who respected others, regardless of different viewpoints,” she noted, highlighting a quality that feels rare in today’s political climate.
The scene outside the Carter Center was filled with tributes—flowers, handwritten notes, and bags of peanuts, symbolizing his roots as a peanut farmer. Jill Stuckey, a close friend of the Carters, reminisced fondly about the couple's long-standing commitment to helping others, expressing how difficult it will be to live in a world without President Carter.
The procession honored significant locations from Carter’s life, including the Methodist church where he married Rosalynn in 1946 and his childhood home, now part of the Jimmy Carter National Historical Park, which rang its bell 39 times to commemorate the former president.
Georgia’s Governor Brian Kemp led a moment of silence outside the state capitol. Mourners will have the opportunity to pay their respects at the presidential library on January 5 and 6, before Carter lies in state at the US Capitol.
On January 9, Washington National Cathedral will hold a service celebrating Carter's life, expected to be attended by several former presidents. Jason Carter, the late president's grandson, poignantly reflected on his grandfather's enduring legacy of love and respect, saying it is “worth celebrating” as the nation honors one of its most cherished leaders.
