Thu Jan 09 21:51:25 UTC 2025: **Nation Mourns Former President Jimmy Carter: National Day of Mourning Declared**

WASHINGTON, D.C. – President Joe Biden has declared Thursday, January 9th, a national day of mourning in honor of former President Jimmy Carter, who passed away on December 29th at the age of 100. Carter’s state funeral will be held that day at the Washington National Cathedral, coinciding with the day of mourning.

The service will include eulogies from President Biden and a pre-recorded message from the late President Gerald Ford, to be read by his son, Steve Ford. Other speakers will include Carter’s grandson, Jason Carter. Following the service, Carter’s remains will be transported to Plains, Georgia for a private burial.

Carter’s casket lay in state at the U.S. Capitol from Tuesday, allowing the public to pay their respects. To honor the 39th president, the Nasdaq and New York Stock Exchange will be closed, and the bond market will close early. While not a federal holiday, many federal agencies will be closed, along with the Supreme Court and the U.S. Postal Service (with limited exceptions). Most banks and private businesses will remain open. Flags will remain at half-staff until January 29th.

The last national day of mourning was held for former President George H.W. Bush in 2018. The honor is also bestowed upon other notable figures, previously including Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Robert F. Kennedy. Carter’s presidency (1977-1981) was marked by challenges such as high inflation and the Iran hostage crisis. However, he is widely remembered and respected for his extensive post-presidential humanitarian work through the Carter Center and Habitat for Humanity.

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