America Bids Farewell to Former US President Jimmy Carter with Six-Day State Funeral

Tributes begin with a symbolic bell toll in Plains, Georgia, honoring the 39th US President’s legacy of service, leadership, and humanitarian contributions.

Georgia [US], January 5: The United States has begun its final farewell to former President Jimmy Carter, with a six-day state funeral that commenced on Saturday in his hometown of Plains, Georgia. A farm bell tolled 39 times, symbolizing his role as the 39th President of the United States, marking a poignant tribute to his enduring legacy.

A Legacy Remembered

Carter, who passed away at the age of 100 on December 29, served as President from 1977 to 1981 and was later awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002 for his extensive humanitarian work.

The funeral proceedings began at the Phoebe Sumter Medical Center in Americus, where Secret Service agents who had protected Carter over the years escorted his remains in a black hearse.

Mourners lined the streets of Plains, Carter’s birthplace and lifelong home. The motorcade paused briefly at his family farm, where the National Park Service rang a bell 39 times in his honor.

Tributes in Atlanta

The procession made its way to the Georgia State Capitol in Atlanta, where Governor Brian Kemp, Lt. Governor Burt Jones, and Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens led a moment of silence to honor Carter’s life and contributions.

At the Jimmy Carter Presidential Library and Museum, Jason Carter, the former President’s grandson, paid tribute to his grandfather’s legacy.

“This building is full of his life… His spirit fills this place,” Jason said, emphasizing that Carter’s legacy lives on through the people and initiatives he inspired.

James “Chip” Carter, Jimmy Carter’s son, honored both his parents, saying, “The two of them together changed the world. It was an amazing thing to watch from so close.”

The ceremony also featured a psalm reading by Carter’s pastor Tony Lowden, a prayer by Bernstine Hollis, and a performance by the Morehouse College Glee Club.

Journey to Washington, DC

Carter’s body will lie in repose at the Carter Center until Tuesday morning before being transported to Washington, DC. A ceremonial procession will pass by the US Navy Memorial, and Carter’s casket will then be transferred to a horse-drawn caisson.

At the US Capitol Rotunda, members of Congress and the public will have an opportunity to pay their respects while the military maintains a guard of honor.

Final Resting Place in Plains, Georgia

After the state funeral at the Washington National Cathedral on Thursday, Carter’s remains will return to Georgia for a private funeral service at the Maranatha Baptist Church in Plains, where he taught Sunday school for many years.

The motorcade will make its final journey through Plains to Carter’s home, where he will be laid to rest beside his wife, Rosalynn Carter, in a private burial ceremony. A US Navy missing man formation flyover will honor Carter’s lifetime of service.

As the nation bids farewell, Jimmy Carter’s legacy of compassion, service, and leadership will continue to inspire generations.