The casket of former President Jimmy Carter being carried away at the end of his state funeral services. Image credit: RICKY CARIOTI / AFP via Getty Images
(The Post News)- Former President Jimmy Carter was honored today in a state funeral at the Washington National Cathedral, bringing together a bipartisan gathering of current and former leaders to pay tribute to the 39th president’s enduring legacy. President Joe Biden delivered a heartfelt eulogy, praising Carter’s strong character and lifelong commitment to honesty, humility, and peacebuilding.
Jimmy Carter passed away on the 29th of December in Georgia at the age of 100 and was remembered as a leader ahead of his time. He achieved historic foreign policy milestones during his presidency, including brokering a peace agreement between Israel and Egypt and normalizing U.S. relations with China. These achievements underscored his commitment to diplomacy and global cooperation.
Former Presidents Bill Clinton, George W. Bush, and Barack Obama and President-elect Donald Trump were in attendance, marking a rare gathering of current and former leaders to pay tribute to the late president. Each acknowledged Carter’s legacy as a statesman and humanitarian.
Stuart Eizenstat, Carter’s domestic policy adviser, highlighted Carter’s accomplishments, including the Camp David Accords, the normalization of U.S.-China relations, and treaties returning the Panama Canal to Panama. He concluded by saying that Jimmy Carter may not be a candidate for Mount Rushmore, but he belongs in the foothills for making the U.S. stronger and the world safer.
When giving his eulogy, President Biden reflected on the values the 39th president embodied throughout his life and career, highlighting the power of humility and service. He also shared that Jimmy Carter taught him that strength of character is more than title or the power one holds.
Following the state funeral, Carter’s casket will be flown to Plains, Georgia, his cherished hometown. A private funeral service will be held at the Maranatha Baptist Church, where he taught Sunday school for decades. Carter’s final resting place will be next to his wife of 77 years, Rosalynn Carter, at their family residence, located a mile from the church.
The nation bids farewell to a leader whose vision and compassion left an indelible mark on the world. “Jimmy Carter,” Biden concluded, “taught us what it means to serve with honor.”
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