The United States mourns the passing of its 39th president, Jimmy Carter, as all living former and current presidents gather at the National Cathedral in Washington, D.C., to pay their respects. This poignant memorial service brings together President Joe Biden and his predecessors Donald Trump, Barack Obama, and Bill Clinton, marking a historic convergence of leadership to honor the legacy of a man who served his country both in and out of office.
The casket of Jimmy Carter was ceremoniously transported from the U.S. Capitol to the National Cathedral. Along its journey down Pennsylvania Avenue, the hearse passed the White House, where law enforcement officers lined up to offer their salute. The National Cathedral, draped in an American flag and set against a backdrop of a chilly wind on its hillside location, serves as the solemn venue for this significant event.
Inside the cathedral, the seating arrangements drew attention as Donald Trump and Barack Obama sat side by side, engaging in cordial conversation. In contrast, President Joe Biden did not acknowledge the former presidents seated behind him as he took his place. The service also saw the attendance of Vice President Kamala Harris and her husband Doug Emhoff.
At the heart of the service were eulogies that painted a vivid portrait of Jimmy Carter's life and legacy. His grandson, Josh Carter, delivered an emotional tribute highlighting Carter's lifelong dedication to serving others:
"My grandfather spent the entire time I’ve known him helping those in need. He built houses for people that needed homes. He eliminated diseases in forgotten places. He waged peace anywhere in the world, wherever he saw a chance," – Josh Carter
Walter Mondale, Carter's vice-president, spoke warmly of their friendship and Carter's foresight in addressing global challenges long before they gained widespread recognition:
"By fate of a brief season, Jimmy Carter and I were rivals, but for the many wonderful years that followed, friendship bonded us as no two presidents since John Adams and Thomas Jefferson. It is said that president Adams’s last words were “Thomas Jefferson still survives”." – Walter Mondale
The service emphasized Carter's pioneering efforts in tackling climate change, with Ted Mondale shedding light on his father's visionary policies:
"Carter was far-sighted. He put aside his short term political interests to tackle challenges that demanded sacrifice to protect our kids and grandkids from future harm. Very few people in the 1970s had heard the term climate change, yet Carter put his presidency on the line to pass laws to conserve energy, deregulate new oil and gas prices and invest in clean renewable alternatives to fossil fuels," – Ted Mondale
Stuart Eizenstat, a close aide to Carter, urged those present to reassess Carter's legacy beyond his post-presidency achievements:
"As we lay our 39th president to rest, it’s time to redeem his presidency and also lay to rest the myth that his greatest achievements came only as a former president," – Stuart Eizenstat
Eizenstat further remarked on Carter’s lasting impact:
"He may not be a candidate for Mount Rushmore, but he belongs in the foothills of making the US stronger and the world safer," – Stuart Eizenstat
The service also included reflections on Carter's energy policies, which laid the groundwork for future advancements in sustainable energy:
"It wasn’t a perfect program, but thanks to President Carter, US energy consumption declined by 10% between 1979 and 1983. In many ways, he laid the foundation for future presidents to come to grips with climate change. Some thought he was crazy to fight so hard to pass these laws, but he was dead right, and we know that now," – Ted Mondale
Joe Biden delivered one of the final eulogies of the day, acknowledging Carter's enduring influence on public policy and his unwavering commitment to humanitarian causes throughout his life.
As the service concluded, Jimmy Carter's son, Josh Carter, shared poignant memories of his grandfather’s humble yet powerful impact on those around him. The tributes collectively painted a picture of a leader whose vision extended beyond politics into realms of global development and peacebuilding.