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Jimmy Carter Remembered for His Humility and Legacy at U.S. Capitol

Lawmakers and Dignitaries Gather to Honor the Life of America’s 39th President

The U.S. Capitol Rotunda became a space of reflection and tribute on Tuesday, January 7, 2025, as lawmakers, military officials, and dignitaries paid their respects to the late President Jimmy Carter. As his flag-draped casket lay in state, memories of his life, achievements, and humble spirit filled the room.

Carter, the 39th president of the United States, passed away at the age of 100 on December 29, 2024, at his home in Plains, Georgia. He was remembered not only for his tenure in the White House but for his continued service to humanity after leaving office.

The Capitol Rotunda, one of the nation’s most hallowed spaces, saw a convergence of figures from all walks of American life. Dignitaries, including current members of Congress, former Cabinet members, military leaders, and Biden administration officials, filled the dome to honor the former president’s legacy. His family and former associates sat side-by-side with high-ranking officials like U.S. Supreme Court justices and members of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

A Ceremony of Music and Reverence

As the ceremony began, the powerful voices of the U.S. Naval Academy Glee Club echoed through the Rotunda. The Navy hymn and “My Country ‘Tis of Thee” resonated in the vast chamber. The performance, which included a rendition of “Georgia On My Mind” by the U.S. Army Band Brass Quintet, paid tribute to Carter’s deep connection to his home state of Georgia.

Jimmy Carter funeral procession at U.S. Capitol

It was clear from the music, and the faces of those in attendance, that this was no ordinary memorial. Senators Raphael Warnock and Jon Ossoff, both Democrats from Georgia, were among those filing past Carter’s casket, a poignant reminder of his lasting influence on his home state and the nation as a whole.

The casket, draped in an American flag, rested on the same pine catafalque that once held President Abraham Lincoln’s body after his assassination in 1865. It was a symbolic reminder of Carter’s place in American history and the lasting impact of his work, both in office and beyond.

Vice President Harris Delivers a Touching Eulogy

Vice President Kamala Harris took the stage to deliver a powerful eulogy, celebrating Carter’s vast contributions to the world. Harris spoke not only of his work in the Oval Office but of his post-presidency commitment to humanitarian causes, most notably with Habitat for Humanity and his efforts to eradicate Guinea worm disease.

“Jimmy Carter established a new model for what it means to be a former president,” Harris remarked. She highlighted his role in environmental protection, including the landmark 1978 bill that expanded protections for redwood forests. Harris also emphasized Carter’s dedication to education, energy, and disaster management through the creation of key agencies like the Department of Energy, the Department of Education, and FEMA.

Carter’s legacy of inclusivity in the judiciary was also recognized, with Harris pointing out his historic appointments of women and Black judges to the federal bench, an effort that reshaped the nation’s judicial landscape.

For many, though, Carter’s most important legacy was his role in fostering peace on the global stage. Harris lauded his success in brokering the Camp David Accords, which resulted in a peace treaty between Israeli Prime Minister Menachem Begin and Egyptian President Anwar Sadat in 1978.

“Jimmy Carter was that all-too-rare example of a gifted man who also walks with humility, modesty, and grace,” Harris reflected. She went on to describe Carter’s life as an embodiment of decency and faith. “He lived his faith, he served the people, and he left the world better than he found it.”

More Eulogies: Remembering Carter’s Leadership and Humility

In addition to Harris, Senate Majority Leader John Thune and House Speaker Mike Johnson offered their own eulogies. Johnson, recalling his childhood memories of Carter’s inauguration, spoke of the profound impact Carter had on him and the nation. “I was just four years old when President Carter was sworn in,” Johnson shared, underscoring how deeply the former president’s influence permeated American life, even for those too young to remember his time in office.

The respect and admiration from both parties were evident throughout the ceremony. Carter’s unique ability to unite and inspire—across political divides and beyond his presidential years—was a central theme in each of the eulogies.

A Lifetime of Service: Carter’s Post-Presidency Legacy

Carter’s work following his presidency was a testament to his enduring commitment to service. Perhaps most notably, his collaboration with Habitat for Humanity has brought hope to countless families, as he helped build homes for the less fortunate. His advocacy for global health initiatives, including efforts to combat diseases like Guinea worm, further cemented his legacy as a tireless advocate for humanity.

Many attendees at the memorial reflected on Carter’s simple, direct approach to leadership, both in his political career and his humanitarian efforts. He was a president who prioritized peace over politics and people over power, a leader whose humility stood as a defining characteristic.

Carter’s influence, though rooted in the past, continues to shape the present and will undoubtedly resonate for generations to come. His life was a powerful reminder that true leadership is measured not by titles or accolades, but by the positive impact one leaves on the world.

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