The body of former U.S. President Jimmy Carter, who passed away at the age of 100, arrived in Washington, D.C., where a state funeral is being held, on the 7th (local time). Vice President Kamala Harris, House Speaker Mike Johnson, members of Congress, and high-ranking diplomats from various countries attended the memorial service to collectively pay tribute to the late president. Carter’s state funeral is scheduled to take place on the 9th, with current and former U.S. presidents in attendance.
According to CNN and other outlets, Carter’s body departed Georgia in the morning and arrived at Andrews Joint Base in Maryland near Washington by air. It was then transferred to the U.S. Navy Memorial in downtown Washington aboard Air Force One, the presidential aircraft, and subsequently moved to the Capitol by a horse-drawn caisson. Having left the White House after serving a four-year term from 1977 to 1981, former President Carter made his final visit to Washington before his eternal rest. Carter passed away on December 29 last year at the age of 100.
The Air Force One flight that transported Carter’s body to Washington was designated "Special Air Mission 39," reflecting Carter’s status as the 39th president. The coffin, draped in the U.S. flag, was loaded and unloaded with the highest honors, including a 21-gun salute.
Foreign media reported that the funeral procession from the Navy Memorial to the Capitol was modeled after past inaugural parades. The Washington Post (WP) stated, "The Navy Memorial is a fitting place to begin the funeral procession," noting that Carter was not only a former naval officer but also played a key role in establishing the memorial. Carter’s grandchildren served as honorary pallbearers. Despite the cold, many citizens lined the streets to pay their respects to the former president as the procession passed by.
Carter’s body was laid in state at the Capitol Rotunda. The memorial service, which began around 4:30 p.m. with a prayer by Senate Chaplain Barry Black, featured eulogies from Vice President Harris, Senate Republican Leader John Thune, and House Speaker Johnson.
Vice President Harris highlighted Carter’s achievements during his presidency, including the expansion of national parks, the establishment of the Department of Education, the normalization of diplomatic relations with China, and the Camp David Accords between Israel and Egypt. She said, "Jimmy Carter was a forward-looking president with a vision for the future. Throughout his life and career, he maintained dignity and humility. He lived by his faith, served others, and left the world a better place."
House Speaker Johnson said, "I was only four years old when Jimmy Carter took the oath of office. He is the first president I remember. Looking back now as an adult, I clearly understand why he captivated everyone’s attention." He added, "Carter’s life, selfless service, battle with cancer, and ongoing contributions to humanity are truly remarkable." Senate Leader Thune also emphasized Carter’s focus on improving everyone’s lives, quoting the biblical verse from the Gospel of Mark: 'The Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve.'
Most of Carter’s children and grandchildren attended the memorial service. Public viewing was open to the public from 6 p.m. to midnight Eastern Time, and again from 7 a.m. the following day, the 8th.
Carter’s state funeral will be held at 10 a.m. on the 9th at the Washington National Cathedral, with current and former U.S. presidents in attendance. President Joe Biden will deliver a eulogy at the funeral. CNN noted that last year, President Biden released a video celebrating Carter’s 100th birthday, referring to him as a "beloved friend," highlighting the significance of this moment as "an important occasion for a president nearing the end of his term to pay tribute to a longtime friend." Biden is known to have maintained a friendship with Carter for over 50 years.
Donald Trump, who has been a harsh critic of Carter, will also attend the funeral. Afterward, Carter’s body will be transported to his hometown of Plains, Georgia, where he will be laid to rest.
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
![$29 Monthly Subscription AI Plant Appliance... US Startup Challenges LG [CES 2026]](https://cwcontent.asiae.co.kr/asiaresize/319/2026010819285284553_1767868133.png)
