By Aaron Troutman/U.S. Army
A fleeting instance of national unity was witnessed in a divided America on Thursday, as five former US presidents convened for the solemn state funeral of the 39th president, Jimmy Carter, at the National Cathedral in Washington.
In a historic moment occurring just 11 days prior to Donald Trump’s inauguration for what is anticipated to be a tumultuous second term, the incoming president and outgoing President Joe Biden momentarily set aside their intense rivalry to pay their respects to Carter.
Former presidents Barack Obama, George W. Bush, and Bill Clinton also participated in the previous ceremony, honoring Carter, who passed away on December 29 at the age of 100 in his home state of Georgia.
The service, which lasted for about two hours, was filled with heartfelt and vivid memories that celebrated both a formidable president and politician, as well as a thoughtful and generous man of faith. It marked a quintessential farewell from Washington insiders for a public servant who was known as a political outsider throughout his career. All five living presidents were in attendance at the funeral, including President-elect Donald Trump, who is scheduled to take office in less than two weeks.
The funeral held at the National Cathedral was a component of a national day of mourning, which President Biden proclaimed in tribute to Carter following his passing. This service was preceded by various memorials and ceremonies that took place since last Saturday at the US Capitol, the Carter Presidential Center in Atlanta, and in his hometown of Plains, Georgia. Following the funeral, Carter’s remains will be returned to Georgia for a private ceremony and interment in Plains.
On Tuesday, Carter’s casket was delivered to the US Capitol in Washington, which was covered in snow, resting on a gun carriage. It was accompanied by hundreds of military personnel, with pallbearers in uniform transporting Carter to the Rotunda to lie in state ahead of the ceremony set for Thursday.
This event represents the first presidential funeral since the death of Bush Senior in 2018. Chuck Schumer, the Democratic leader in the Senate, referred to Carter as “one of the most decent and humble public servants we have ever seen.” He added, “President Carter was a living embodiment of leadership through service, compassion, and a thirst for justice for all.
