Photo: RICHARD PIERRIN / AFP / Getty Images
Former President Jimmy Carter will lie in state at the U.S. Capitol beginning Tuesday (January 7) afternoon. His remains were transported from Georgia to Washington, D.C., where a memorial service will be attended by Vice President Kamala Harris, members of Congress, and other officials. Carter, who passed away on December 29 at the age of 100, will be honored in a series of events reflecting his legacy as the thirty-ninth president of the United States.
The journey to Washington began with a departure ceremony at the Carter Presidential Library in Atlanta. Special Air Mission 39, named in honor of Carter being the thirty-ninth president, carried his casket to Joint Base Andrews in Maryland. From there, a motorcade escorted his remains to the U.S. Navy Memorial, where they were transferred to a horse-drawn caisson for the procession to the Capitol. This procession mirrors Carter's 1977 inaugural parade, during which he walked from the Capitol to the White House.
Carter's casket was placed in the Capitol Rotunda ahead of a short service for members of Congress and other invited guests. Majority Leader John Thune, House Speaker Mike Johnson, and Vice President Kamala Harris delivered eulogies for Carter.
The service opened with a prayer by Senate Chaplain Barry Black.
“Lord, he made the world more palatable. We thank you for his passion, for integrity, his commitment to leave the world better than he found it, and his exemplary love for his precious wife Rosalynn,” Black said.
Thune then spoke, highlighting Carter's service to the country and the work he did after his presidency.
“President Carter’s term as president ended in 1981, and for the remainder of his life — the longest post-presidency of any American president ever — he focused on making the lives of his fellow men better. That meant things like the Carter Center, which, among other things, works for the eradication of disease and some of the poorest areas of the globe. And it meant things like his work with Habitat for Humanity to provide affordable housing for those in need,” Thune said.
Johnson spoke briefly, focusing on Carter's dedication to his faith.
“President Jimmy Carter brought life-saving medicine in the face of conflict. He brokered peace in the face of discrimination. He reminded us that we are all made in the image of God. And if you were to ask him why he did it all, he would likely point to his faith,” Johnson said.
Vice President Harris wrapped up the ceremony, remembering Carter as a “respected global leader."
“Jimmy Carter was that all too rare example of a gifted man who also walks with humility, modesty and grace,” Harris said.
“He lived his faith. He served the people and he left the world better than he found it. And in the end, Jimmy Carter’s work, and those works, speak for him — louder than any tribute we can offer,” Harris added.
Carter will lie in state from 7 p.m. ET until Thursday morning when a state funeral will be held at Washington National Cathedral. President Joe Biden is expected to deliver a eulogy during the service, which will be followed by Carter's burial in Plains, Georgia.
Carter's presidency was marked by significant challenges, including the Iran hostage crisis and economic difficulties. Despite these challenges, he is remembered for his humanitarian efforts and commitment to public service.
