In brief
Americans are coming together to honor the late Jimmy Carter, the 39th US president, as a nearly week-long state funeral commences following his passing at the age of 100. Starting with a procession from Carter's Plains, Georgia home to Atlanta, the tribute kicked off a six-day public remembrance. On the agenda, Carter will be transported to Washington DC on Tuesday to lie in state at the US Capitol ahead of a service featuring several former presidents on Thursday. Mourners from across the globe have converged in Atlanta, reflecting on Carter’s genuine character and outstanding humanitarian contributions.
As tributes poured in, Heather Brooks, an admirer of Carter, expressed, "[He] was always kind, relatable... an awesome individual who has done so much for the world." Paige Alexander from the Carter Center emphasized his "sincerity and integrity," contrasting it with contemporary political discourse. The outpouring of love was visible as flowers, handwritten notes, and peanut bags, a nod to Carter’s farming roots, emerged outside the Carter Center.Longtime friend Jill Stuckey highlighted the couple's unwavering commitment to serving others, stating she will struggle to adapt to a world without Carter. The motorcade made poignant stops at significant locations, including the church where the Carters wed, his boyhood home, and the Georgia State Capitol, where silence was observed.Public viewing opportunities will be available at the presidential library on January 5 and 6 before Carter is transported to Washington DC, culminating in a final commemoration at Washington National Cathedral on January 9. Family members, including grandson Jason Carter, noted the deep personal connections the former president fostered, calling him "a beacon of love and respect." As the days unfold, America mourns a transformative leader who embraced compassion and unity throughout his remarkable life.
