Jimmy Carter's Funeral at Washington Cathedral Followed by Burial in His Georgia Hometown

Jimmy Carter, the 39th President of the United States, was honoured with a funeral at Washington National Cathedral. This was followed by a service and burial in his hometown in Georgia. His grandson, Joshua Carter, spoke first, highlighting Carter's dedication to teaching Sunday school and humanitarian efforts after his presidency. "He built houses for people who needed homes," Joshua said. "He eliminated diseases in forgotten places. He waged peace anywhere in the world, wherever he saw a chance. He loved people."

President Joe Biden, who supported Carter's 1976 campaign as a senator, delivered a eulogy. "Today many think he was from a bygone era, but in reality he saw well into the future," Biden said. "I miss him," he added. "But I take solace in knowing that he and his beloved Rosalynn are reunited once again." The event was attended by all living former presidents, including President-elect Donald Trump.

Tributes and Remembrances

Jason Carter, another grandson, praised both Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter for their humility and roots. "They were small-town people who never forgot who they were and where they were from no matter what happened in their lives," Jason said. He chairs the Carter Centre, an organisation founded by the former president to promote global humanitarian efforts.

The funeral brought together past presidents in a rare moment of unity. Trump shook hands with Mike Pence despite their past disagreements over election results. Trump also conversed with Barack Obama for several minutes. Vice President Kamala Harris attended but did not interact with Trump.

Carter passed away on December 29 at the age of 100. His longevity meant that some eulogies were written by those who predeceased him, including his vice president Walter Mondale and predecessor Gerald Ford. Ford's eulogy was read by his son Steven: "By fate of a brief season, Jimmy Carter and I were rivals," it stated. "But for the many wonderful years that followed, friendship bonded us as no two presidents since John Adams and Thomas Jefferson."

Legacy of Service

The funeral marked the end of six days of national mourning that began in Plains, Georgia, where Carter was born in 1924 and spent most of his life. Ceremonies continued in Atlanta and Washington, where he lay in state since Tuesday. Mourners braved cold weather to pay their respects at the Capitol Rotunda.

Carter's presidency was marked by significant achievements like deregulating transportation industries and creating FEMA. He also brokered peace between Israel and Egypt but faced challenges like inflation and the Iran hostage crisis. Despite losing to Ronald Reagan in 1980, former aide Stu Eizenstat highlighted Carter's accomplishments: "He may not be a candidate for Mount Rushmore, but he belongs in the foothills," Eizenstat said.

After the Washington service, Carter's remains were flown back to Georgia on a Boeing 747 used as Air Force One when carrying the sitting president. A final service took place at Maranatha Baptist Church, where Carter taught Sunday school for years.

A Final Farewell

Andrew Young, a close friend and former UN ambassador during Carter's administration, also spoke at the cathedral service. Young described Carter as a blessing to America: "Jimmy Carter was a blessing that helped create a great United States of America," Young said.

Carter will be laid to rest on family land next to Rosalynn, his wife of over 77 years. The burial follows a procession through his hometown past landmarks significant to his life and career.