Jimmy Carter Honoured for Humility and Service at Washington Funeral Attended by US Presidents

Jimmy Carter was honoured for his humility and dedication to public service during a funeral at Washington National Cathedral. The event featured the kind of grandeur the 39th US president usually avoided. President Joe Biden, who first supported Carter's 1976 presidential run, delivered a eulogy. Biden and others praised Carter's legacy, which historians have viewed more positively since his 1980 election loss, and highlighted his character.

Carter's grandson, Joshua, shared memories of Carter teaching Sunday school in Plains, Georgia, 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." Jason Carter, another grandson, spoke fondly of his grandparents' frugality and their small-town roots.

Political Figures Gather to Honour Carter

The funeral brought together political figures from different backgrounds. Former President Barack Obama and President-elect Donald Trump sat together and conversed for several minutes. Biden emphasised Carter's focus on treating everyone with dignity and respect, hinting at political themes by repeating that "character" was Carter's defining trait.

Carter passed away on December 29 at the age of 100. His longevity meant that two eulogies were penned by individuals who predeceased him: Vice President Walter Mondale and predecessor Gerald Ford. Ford's son Steven read a eulogy from Ford, stating, "By fate of a brief season, Jimmy Carter and I were rivals... friendship bonded us as no two presidents since John Adams and Thomas Jefferson."

Carter's Legacy and Achievements

Carter's presidency was marked by significant achievements despite challenges like inflation and the Iran hostage crisis. He signed important legislation and brokered a peace agreement between Israel and Egypt. Former aide Stu Eizenstat highlighted Carter's accomplishments in deregulating transportation industries, advancing energy research, and creating FEMA.

The ceremony began with military members carrying Carter's flag-draped casket from the Capitol to the cathedral. A 21-gun salute honoured him as the Armed Forces Chorus sang "Be Still My Soul." Andrew Young, a former Atlanta mayor and UN ambassador during Carter's administration, spoke about their enduring friendship despite growing up in segregated Georgia.

After the service in Washington, Carter's remains were flown back to Georgia on a Boeing 747 used as Air Force One when carrying the sitting president. He will be laid to rest in Plains alongside Rosalynn after an afternoon funeral at Maranatha Baptist Church. This church is where he taught Sunday school for decades post-presidency.

Final Farewell in Plains

Carter's final journey through his hometown included passing by the old train depot used as his 1976 campaign headquarters. He will be buried on family land next to Rosalynn, his wife of over 77 years. The outspoken Baptist campaigned as a born-again Christian and will be remembered beneath a wooden cross he crafted himself.

The funeral concluded six days of national ceremonies that began in Plains, Georgia. These events celebrated Carter's life as a Naval officer, engineer, peanut farmer, and humanitarian leader through the Carter Center. His presidency promised honest governance amid disillusionment from Vietnam War and Watergate scandals.

Carter’s presidency faced economic challenges but also achieved notable successes. Eizenstat remarked that while Carter might not be considered for Mount Rushmore, "he belongs in the foothills," acknowledging his contributions to American history.