Jimmy Carter brought a rare moment of national unity to a fractured America on Thursday, as five U.S. presidents gathered for the solemn state funeral of the 39th president at Washington’s National Cathedral.
In a historic display, just 11 days before Donald Trump’s inauguration for what is expected to be a contentious second term, both the incoming president and outgoing President Joe Biden put aside their bitter rivalry to honor Carter’s legacy together.
Former presidents Barack Obama, George W. Bush, and Bill Clinton joined them for the poignant ceremony, remembering Carter, who passed away on December 29 at the age of 100 in his home state of Georgia.
Democrat Jimmy Carter was often viewed as naive and weak during his single term from 1977 to 1981. However, over time, a more complex perspective has developed, highlighting his decency and significant accomplishments in foreign policy.
Carter’s flag-draped coffin was transported from the US Capitol, where it had been lying in state, and carried into the grand cathedral by an honor guard of military personnel in ceremonial attire.
His grandson, Joshua Carter, delivered the first homily for the last president of the “Greatest Generation.”
President Joe Biden is set to deliver the eulogy for his fellow Democrat at the neo-Gothic cathedral, a venue traditionally chosen for the funerals of U.S. presidents, including Dwight Eisenhower, Ronald Reagan, and George H.W. Bush.
Biden, who will depart the White House on January 20 after completing his single term, shared that Carter requested he speak at the service during their final meeting four years ago, a moment between two long-time friends.
“Carter was a decent man. I think Carter looked at the world not from here but from here, where everybody else lives,” Biden said as he gestured from above his head towards his heart.
The funeral takes place just days before a significant shift for the United States, marked by Trump’s return to the Oval Office.
Obama exchanged handshakes and engaged in conversation with the billionaire Republican.
A moment of reconciliation occurred between Donald Trump and his former vice president, Mike Pence, as they met and shook hands for what is believed to be the first time since the January 2021 US Capitol riots.
This interaction followed Pence’s refusal to support Trump’s false claims about the 2020 election outcome.
The five living US presidents joined approximately 3,000 mourners for the service, as Thursday was designated a national day of mourning, with federal offices closed.
Jimmy Carter, who served a single term before losing the 1980 election to Ronald Reagan, faced political struggles, including a hostage crisis involving Americans held in Tehran following Iran’s Islamic revolution, which ultimately contributed to his defeat.
However, his legacy has been re-evaluated in light of his successful mediation of a peace agreement between Israel and Egypt. He was also widely praised for his humanitarian efforts post-presidency, culminating in the receipt of the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002.
The first president to live past 100, Carter had been in hospice care since February 2023 in his hometown of Plains, Georgia, where he passed away. He will be buried beside his late wife, former First Lady.
Chuck Schumer, the leader of the Democrats in the Senate, described Carter as “one of the most decent and humble public servants we have ever seen.”
“President Carter was a living embodiment of leadership through service, compassion, and a thirst for justice for all,” he said.
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