Jimmy Carter’s State Funeral Scheduled for January 9
The Joint Task Force of the National Capital Region is set to manage the state funeral, which will span seven to 10 days.
Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter will be honored with a state funeral in Washington on January 9, 2025.
In a statement from the White House, President Joe Biden announced on December 29 that appropriate honors would be conducted by armed forces units.
This announcement was made late at night while Biden was vacationing in St. Croix.
Biden encouraged all Americans to gather in their local places of worship on that day to pay their respects to Carter.
He declared January 9 a national day of mourning for Carter, who reached the age of 100, and specified that U.S. flags would be flown at half-staff for 30 days starting December 29.
“This is a sad day, but it revives many cherished memories,” Biden remarked. “In my view, both America and the world lost a phenomenal leader. He was a true statesman and humanitarian, and Jill and I lost a beloved friend.”
The first ceremonies will take place in the area where the late president resided. For Carter, this will be in Georgia.
Following those, there will be events in Washington, likely featuring military bands, honor guards from the Armed Forces, and National Guard reserve units.
The final ceremonies will occur at the location of Carter’s chosen burial site.
However, details regarding final arrangements—such as motorcades and public events—remain pending and will be revealed by the Joint Task Force.
In lieu of flowers, the Carter family has asked for donations to The Carter Center.
The state funeral for Carter will conclude on January 19, just one day before the inauguration of President-elect Donald Trump in Washington.
Carter, a member of the Democratic Party, served as the 39th president of the United States from 1977 to 1981. He was a submariner in both the Atlantic and Pacific fleets of the Navy, and in 2002, he was honored with the Nobel Peace Prize for his humanitarian efforts.
He is also remembered for his decision to return control of the Panama Canal to the Panamanian government.