Following the announcement of Jimmy Carter’s passing, the nation is set to commemorate his legacy with a state funeral as announced by President Joe Biden.
The state funeral for Former President Jimmy Carter, a respected Nobel Peace Prize winner, will span approximately 7 to 10 days. This formal national tribute, initiated by a presidential proclamation, involves coordination by the Joint Task Force National Capital Region, a department within the Department of Defense. President Joe Biden has ordered flags to be flown at half-staff for thirty days across the nation, marking this significant period of mourning.
The initial segment of the funeral proceedings will take place in Plains, Georgia, Carter’s lifelong residence. There, his casket will travel to Atlanta via a motorcade to lie in repose at the Carter Center. After one to two days, the arrangements will transition as the former president’s body will be flown to Washington, D.C.
Upon arrival in Washington, a ceremonial event will commence at the U.S. Capitol’s Rotunda, where Carter is expected to lie in state for more than a day. This period allows the public to pay respects within the principal government building. Subsequently, the funeral proceedings will move to the National Cathedral for a ceremonial service that will last about an hour before Carter’s remains are returned to Georgia.
In Georgia, a private burial service will follow in Plains where Jimmy Carter will be interred beside his wife, Rosalynn Carter. This marks a personal conclusion to the public state ceremonies.
State funerals in the United States have historically been reserved for former presidents, such as Franklin D. Roosevelt, John F. Kennedy, and George H. W. Bush. However, any distinguished individual designated by the sitting president may receive this honor. The tradition of state funerals dates back to the nation’s founding, with notable figures like George Washington and Thomas Jefferson having received similar tributes.
Various military traditions form part of the state funeral, such as the three-volley salute over the grave and a 21-gun salute. These ceremonies incorporate symbolic gestures like a horse-drawn caisson and military flyovers to honor the deceased. Additionally, the funeral will include traditional music such as ‘Hail to the Chief’ and ‘The Star-Spangled Banner,’ alongside ‘Taps,’ a bugle call traditionally played at military funerals.
The state funeral of Jimmy Carter reflects his profound impact on the nation and offers a moment for the public to honor his contributions. The formal ceremonies underscore the legacy of service and commitment that characterized his life.
Source: Nbcmiami
