The official state funeral in Washington, DC for former President Jimmy Carter will be held on January 9, the White House confirmed Monday.
President Joe Biden declared January 9 as a National Day of Mourning in a proclamation on Sunday, hours after Carter’s passing at the age of 100.
“With his compassion and moral clarity, he worked to eradicate disease, forge peace, advance civil rights and human rights, promote free and fair elections, house the homeless, and always advocate for the least among us. He saved, lifted, and changed the lives of people all across the globe,” Biden said of Carter.
Biden will deliver a eulogy at the funeral service of Carter, a White House official said Monday, a marquee moment for Biden to pay tribute to his longtime friend at the Washington National Cathedral in the waning days of his own presidency.
“President Carter exemplified what it means to translate faith into action,” the Washington National Cathedral wrote in a statement. “From his selflessness and humanitarian spirit, we draw inspiration. And from his example of fidelity and generous faith, we find hope that we might yet learn to embody his example of good and faithful service.”
It’s a speech Biden has long been planning to give. He told donors last year that Carter asked him to deliver the eulogy.
Public observances honoring Carter’s legacy will be held in Atlanta and Washington, DC, followed by a private interment in Carter’s hometown of Plains, Georgia, according to The Carter Center, though final arrangements are still underway.
The Joint Task Force-National Capital Region in the Department of Defense will ultimately conduct the ceremonies.
Source: CNN
