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 will be placed in the Capitol Rotunda at 4:30 p.m. and will be open for public viewing from 7 p.m. to midnight. He will lie in state 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.
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