In a rare moment of national unity, five US presidents gathered at Washington National Cathedral on Thursday to honor former President Jimmy Carter, who passed away on December 29, 2024, at the age of 100.
The state funeral, attended by President Joe Biden, President-elect Donald Trump, and former Presidents Barack Obama, George W. Bush, and Bill Clinton, marked a historic event as Americans reflected on Carter’s legacy of service and humility.
Carter, the 39th president, served from 1977 to 1981 and was remembered for his decency, foreign policy achievements, and post-presidency humanitarian work, which earned him a Nobel Peace Prize in 2002.
Carter’s flag-draped coffin, accompanied by a military honor guard, was transported from the US Capitol, where it had lain in state, to the cathedral. A gun carriage led the procession, pausing briefly at the Carter family’s historic peanut farm in Plains, Georgia, before arriving in Washington.
President Joe Biden delivered an emotional eulogy, highlighting Carter’s compassion and leadership:
“President Carter was a decent man who looked at the world not from above but from where everyone else lived. He led with his heart and a deep thirst for justice.”
The event also facilitated rare reunions, including a brief handshake between Trump and his former Vice President, Mike Pence, who had parted ways following the Capitol riots in 2021. Former President Obama was seen chatting with Trump, signifying a brief pause in political rivalries.
Approximately 3,000 mourners attended the ceremony, and Thursday was declared a national day of mourning, with federal offices closed in Carter’s honor.
Initially criticized for perceived weaknesses during his presidency, including the 1980 Iran hostage crisis, Carter’s legacy has undergone reassessment over the years. His achievements in brokering peace between Israel and Egypt and his dedication to humanitarian causes have become central to his story.
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer described Carter as “one of the most decent and humble public servants we have ever seen,” emphasizing his commitment to justice and equality.
Carter will be laid to rest in Plains, Georgia, beside his wife, Rosalynn Carter, who passed away in 2023.
