National Day of Mourning: Essential Information You Should Know

January 7, 2025 TruthUSA

While it may not officially qualify as a federal holiday, numerous government agencies will be closed, and several services will not be operational.

Jimmy Carter, the 39th president of the United States, passed away on Dec. 29 at the age of 100. In remembrance of the former president, President Joe Biden has officially declared a National Day of Mourning on Jan. 9.

Carter’s funeral will take place that day at Washington National Cathedral in the capital. Biden will deliver the eulogy.

What Is a Day of Mourning?

A Day of Mourning is a tradition that dates back; it was first observed alongside a government shutdown after the assassination of President Abraham Lincoln in June 1865.

This observance has been conducted for most presidents who have passed away after serving in office over the last 75 years. Following the assassination of President John F. Kennedy in 1963, President Lyndon Johnson designated a day of mourning.

Most recently, a Day of Mourning was observed in 2018 for former President George H. W. Bush.

As part of a 30-day tribute to Carter, which began on the day of his passing, flags will be flown at half-staff until Jan. 28.

While it may not be equivalent to a federal holiday, various government agencies will be closed, and several services will be unavailable.

What’s Closed?

In addition to the federal agencies, the Library of Congress will be closed. Federal courts, including the Supreme Court, will also observe the day off.

Most federal employees will enjoy a paid holiday on Thursday. Nevertheless, Biden’s executive order permits some department heads to decide whether to maintain specific offices and personnel for reasons of “national security, defense, or other public need.”

US Postal Service

Mail delivery will be mostly suspended. According to a statement from the U.S. Postal Service, there will be limited package delivery occurring that day to avoid interruptions in delivery processes. All retail and post office services will be closed.

What’s Open?

National Parks will remain open, although their administrative offices will be closed, as stated by a release from the National Parks Service. However, the late president will be laid to rest at Carter Home and Garden, situated in Jimmy Carter National Historical Park, meaning that certain areas of the park will be inaccessible to the public leading up to his interment.

All Smithsonian museums will continue to operate, following their typical policy on federal holidays. Please note that the museums will close on Jan. 20 for Inauguration Day.

Banks will be open on Jan. 9, but the New York Stock Exchange and NASDAQ will be closed.

Source link