To honor the memory of the former President, President Joe Biden has proclaimed January 9, 2025, a National Day of Mourning, concurrent with the state funeral for President Jimmy Carter, which will be held at the Washington National Cathedral.
Legacy of Jimmy Carter
Jimmy Carter was the 39th President of the United States and served from 1977 to 1981. Major accomplishments during his presidency included the Camp David Accords, whereby he brokered peace between Israel and Egypt. Since his presidency, Carter has dedicated himself to humanitarian passions and in 2002 received the Nobel Peace Prize for his activism in human rights and democracy. Carter is survived by four children, Jack, James, Donnel and Amy, along with several grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
National day of mourning: Federal observation
All federal government offices will be closed on January 9 in respect to the former president. The executive order by President Biden forces closure to give federal employees a paid day off, except for those involved in essential services that deal with national security and defense.
President Joe Biden said: “I do further appoint January 9, 2025, as a National Day of Mourning throughout the United States. I call on the American people to assemble on that day in their respective places of worship, there to pay homage to the memory of President James Earl Carter, Jr. I invite the people of the world who share our grief to join us in this solemn observance.”
Financial markets
NYSE and Nasdaq with other major exchanges in the nation has declared Jan 9, a holiday out of respect to the National Day of Mourning.
This would go in times where the financial markets used to declare holidays out of respect upon a former president’s passing.
State funeral arrangements
Jimmy Carter will be granted a state funeral at Washington National Cathedral on January 9. His body will first lie in repose at the Carter Center in Atlanta, then lie in state at the US Capitol before the Washington ceremonies. After that, Carter will be taken to Plains, Georgia, where he will be privately interred beside his wife, Rosalynn Carter, who died last November 2023.
Public participation and memorials
While the federal offices will be closed to observe the National Day of Mourning on January 9, this is not a public federal holiday. It would be up to private businesses and all state and local government offices whether they want to close or stay open. The public will have in-person and virtual public memorials and services where they can pay their respects. The Carter Center has provided avenues through which messages of condolence may be given in support of his legacy.
Historical context
The Declaration of National Days of Mourning upon the demise of former presidents has not been out of place. The most recent one was on December 5, 2018, when the country mourned the death of President George H.W. Bush. The nation is granted an opportunity to ponder over the activities and legacies of leaders on such occasions.
