What is a state funeral and who will be present at Jimmy Carter's?
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Carter will be laid to rest next to his wife in their hometown of Plains, Georgia. |
The state funeral for Jimmy Carter, who passed away last month at the age of 100, has officially commenced and will span nearly a week.
The ceremonies began on Saturday with a motorcade procession from the Carters' hometown of Plains, Georgia, to Atlanta, where Carter will lie in repose until his transfer to Washington, DC.
Following the completion of all services, Carter will be laid to rest in Plains, alongside his wife, Rosalynn, who passed away last year at 96.
Here’s what to know about the funeral arrangements.
What is a state funeral?
A state funeral is a national event that honors Americans who have made significant contributions to public life.
Most presidents are given this honor, provided their family agrees.
State funerals typically last between seven and ten days, featuring ceremonies in both the deceased's hometown and Washington, DC.
The most recent president to receive a state funeral was George HW Bush in 2018.
In 2020, former Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg lay in state at the US Capitol, 15 years after civil rights icon Rosa Parks became the first woman to be given this honor.
When astronaut Neil Armstrong passed away in 2012, there were calls for a state funeral, but his family chose a private ceremony in Ohio instead.
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| The service for George HW Bush was held at the Washington National Cathedral. |
Where will Jimmy Carter's funeral take place?
The memorial services for Jimmy Carter, the Democrat who served as president from 1977 to 1981, will unfold in three stages.
The first part took place in his hometown of Plains, Georgia, followed by events in Washington, and then back to Georgia.
On January 4, a motorcade passed through Carter's small hometown of Plains, stopping at his childhood home before proceeding to Atlanta, via the state capitol, for a public service at the Carter Presidential Center.
Carter’s remains will be at the Presidential Library on January 5 and 6.
On January 7, his remains will be transported to the nation's capital, where the funeral ceremonies will commence at the US Navy Memorial. A horse-drawn procession will then make its way to the US Capitol.
For two days, he will lie in state at the US Capitol Rotunda, allowing the public to pay their respects.
A memorial service will be held at Washington National Cathedral on January 9, with several former presidents in attendance to honor his life.
Who is expected to attend Jimmy Carter's state funeral?
President Biden is set to deliver the eulogy at Jimmy Carter's funeral in Washington, DC, following Carter’s request in March 2023, as confirmed by Biden.
It is customary for former presidents and first ladies to attend the funerals of their predecessors, meaning First Lady Jill Biden, along with figures such as former President Barack Obama, are expected to attend. Hillary and Bill Clinton are also anticipated to be present.
President-elect Donald Trump has confirmed his attendance. While he did not attend Rosalynn Carter’s funeral last year, his wife, Melania, was present, along with other former first ladies.
Trump did attend the Washington memorial service for Republican President George HW Bush, where five living presidents, including Carter, were present.
