The Presidents Club gather to honour Former President Jimmy Carter at Washington National Cathedral. Image credit: Barron's
The Presidents Club gather to honour Former President Jimmy Carter at Washington National Cathedral. Image credit: Barron’s
(The Post News)- Five former and current U.S. presidents had a rare and solemn meeting at Washington National Cathedral on Thursday to pay tribute to Jimmy Carter, the 39th president, during his state funeral. Many were heartbroken when Carter’s family revealed his passing in Plains, Georgia, on December 29, 2024.
Meanwhile, President Joe Biden and his grandson, Joshua Carter, delivered tributes during his state funeral. Biden, a Democrat, stated that people will continue to remember Carter as a man of “character, faith, and love.”
Biden encouraged Americans to be respectful to others just like Carter; nonetheless, many felt that the sincere eulogies were tied to them. Carter’s funeral was more than just a celebration of his life—it also reminded people of the values he lived by.
According to Biden, Carter’s legacy has a positive impact on all generations, as he lived his life proving that “a true patriot” never stops trying to improve the world.
On the other hand, Joshua Carter added a personal touch, highlighting his grandfather’s work to help others. He stated that his grandfather provided houses for those in need, eliminated illnesses in underserved areas, and sought serenity everywhere he saw a chance.
The funeral represented a rare convergence of the “presidents’ club” (a selective association shaped by the distinct strains of the Oval Office). President-elect Donald Trump stood shoulder to shoulder with President Biden, Democrat, his predecessors including former Presidents Barack Obama, George W. Bush and Bill Clinton, having with their wives.
Vice President Kamala Harris and her husband Doug Emhoff was also present there. This was the first time she thought of Trump since he was the candidate in 2024 election.
The service led to some unexpected moments. Trump and Obama sat next to each other. They smiled and talked a lot before the service started. “We probably do like each other,” Trump later commented, adding, “We just got along.”
Former Vice President Mike Pence, who sat nearby, also garnered attention as he and Trump shook hands for the first time in public since departing from office in 2021. As their previously frosty relationship mostly caused by Pence refusal to overturn the election results, appeared to thaw, albeit momentarily, during the sad occasion.
Before being transported to the Capitol to be laid in state, former President Carter was was the main military officer presenting the honors at the U.S. Navy Memorial. This is the place where the public came to pay their final respects to the deceased president of the U.S. Carter will be buried with his wife, in the same place where she was laid down, who passed in 2023 after services in Washington and a private ceremony at Maranatha Baptist Church, which will include a procession through Plains.
He is held in esteem for his humanitarian activities after his presidency, particularly in the areas of human rights and health. He worked on the construction of houses with the organization Habitat For Humanity, targeted guinea worm Disease eradication, and promoted peace across many nations.
Regardless of the political inclinations of the attendees, the funeral ceremony of Carter was a true testament to his unwavering respect across the board. In the words of Kate Andersen Brower, “It’s the loneliest job in the world, but funerals like this remind us that the presidency transcends politics. Jimmy Carter’s legacy is evidence to that.”
He defines himself and his country with his life and service; he exemplifies integrity, compassion, and humility in a leader and serves as a permanent reminder to the American nation.
About the Author
