Joe Biden declares January 9 as national day of mourning for Jimmy Carter

US President Joe Biden has declared January 9 as a national day of mourning for former President Jimmy Carter, who passed away at the age of 100. Biden urged Americans to gather at places of worship to pay tribute to the late leader. In a White House proclamation, Biden invited people worldwide to join in the observance, saying, “Let us remember and honor President James Earl Carter, Jr.”

Carter, the 39th President of the United States, was a Georgia farmer who worked to restore public trust in government. He was widely respected for his humanitarian efforts and received the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002. He passed away at his home in Plains, Georgia, two years after entering hospice care.

Flags across the country have been ordered to fly at half-staff for 30 days as a mark of respect. Biden has also announced a state funeral for Carter on January 9 in Washington, D.C., which will include public memorials in Atlanta and the capital.

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Carter’s legacy and funeral arrangements

Jimmy Carter served as president from 1977 to 1981, after defeating Gerald Ford in the 1976 election. At the age of 52, Carter took office with a vision to bring change and rebuild trust in leadership. Despite losing his re-election bid to Ronald Reagan in 1980, Carter’s post-presidency work earned him global admiration.

His state funeral will follow protocols observed for previous presidents, such as Gerald Ford in 2006 and George H.W. Bush in 2018. These national mourning periods have historically seen federal offices and financial markets closed as a sign of respect. The Joint Task Force-National Capital Region will oversee the arrangements, and more details will be shared by the Carter Center.

Memorial events in Washington and Atlanta will offer the public a chance to pay their respects to the longest-living former president in US history. Carter’s death marks the end of an era, and the nation’s tributes reflect his lasting impact on American society and global humanitarian efforts.