Madrid Times

España Viva: Your Window to Madrid and Beyond
Friday, Mar 07, 2025

United States Bids Farewell to Jimmy Carter with State Funeral in Washington

A solemn gathering of dignitaries and global leaders pays tribute to Carter's legacy of humanitarian work and peace efforts.
On Thursday, Washington, D.C. witnessed a state funeral for Jimmy Carter at the National Cathedral, marking the final farewell to a pivotal figure in American history.

The ceremony saw an assembly of current and former leaders, including President Joe Biden, President-elect Donald Trump, former presidents Barack Obama, George W.

Bush, and Bill Clinton, and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, gathered to honor Carter, who served as the 39th President of the United States from 1977 to 1981.

The service commenced with a eulogy by Carter’s grandson, Joshua Carter, who reflected on his grandfather’s life, inspired by his Christian faith, as one dedicated to service.

"My grandfather spent his life helping the needy, building homes, eradicating diseases, and fostering peace," he recounted.

President Joe Biden, in his tribute, emphasized Carter’s character as the "greatest of his attributes." He recalled supporting Carter’s presidential campaign in 1976 due to the former president’s integrity.

Biden remarked, "The friendship with Jimmy Carter taught me that strength of character is more significant than title or power."

Biden praised Carter for never allowing politics to deviate him from his mission of service, stating that Carter's life story is a testament to faith in humanity and the best of America.

He described Carter as a man whose life spanned from humble beginnings to the heights of political power, yet remained committed to civil rights and humanitarian causes.

Ted Mondale, son of Carter's Vice President Walter Mondale, also paid tribute, recognizing Carter’s vision and foresight in addressing long-term challenges, often at the cost of short-term political gains.

Throughout the event, Carter was remembered for his humanitarian efforts and his critical role in achieving the Camp David Accords, the first Middle East peace deal between Egypt and Israel, in 1979.

This, along with his later life’s work through the Carter Center and Habitat for Humanity, earned him the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002.

Having ascended to the presidency following the post-Watergate era, Carter’s path to the White House concluded with a victory over incumbent Gerald Ford in 1976, forging an unexpected lifelong friendship with his former political adversary.

Despite the challenges faced during his presidency, including the Iran hostage crisis, Carter’s post-presidential legacy grew significantly.

His remains were transported from the Capitol Rotunda, where they lay in state, back to his hometown of Plains, Georgia, for a private service.

Many Americans, spanning generations, gathered to pay their respects, underscoring Carter’s lasting impact on the nation's moral compass.

Among the attendees at the Washington funeral were notable current and former political figures, highlighting the broad recognition of Carter's contributions.

The gathering also served as a rare moment of unity, notably the first meeting of Trump and Pence since their administration ended.

Carter’s presidency, marked by its contradictions, nonetheless left a lasting legacy through his post-presidential humanitarian efforts.

The Carter Center has played a significant role in global health and human rights advocacy, a testament to his unwavering commitment to peace and justice long after leaving office.
AI Disclaimer: An advanced artificial intelligence (AI) system generated the content of this page on its own. This innovative technology conducts extensive research from a variety of reliable sources, performs rigorous fact-checking and verification, cleans up and balances biased or manipulated content, and presents a minimal factual summary that is just enough yet essential for you to function as an informed and educated citizen. Please keep in mind, however, that this system is an evolving technology, and as a result, the article may contain accidental inaccuracies or errors. We urge you to help us improve our site by reporting any inaccuracies you find using the "Contact Us" link at the bottom of this page. Your helpful feedback helps us improve our system and deliver more precise content. When you find an article of interest here, please look for the full and extensive coverage of this topic in traditional news sources, as they are written by professional journalists that we try to support, not replace. We appreciate your understanding and assistance.
Newsletter

Related Articles

0:00
0:00
Close
EU Member States Endorse Gradual Rollout of Entry/Exit System
Pope Francis's Health Status: Vatican Reports Stable Condition
MPs from Across the Parties Express Worry About Proposed Reductions to the UK Aid Budget
U.S. Sets Up Strategic Cryptocurrency Reserve, Triggering Market Rally
Zelenskyy Convenes with UK Prime Minister Starmer During Rising US Tensions
Here, unelected President Zelensky meets with two top American democratically elected officials who are neither stupid, nor bribed, nor blind
Pope Francis Admitted to Hospital Due to Pneumonia Faces Breathing Difficulties
Katy Perry to Participate in All-Female Space Team on Blue Origin Mission
Apple Sued for Allegations of Deceptive Carbon Neutrality Claims Regarding Watches
US President Asserts NATO Membership for Ukraine Is Off the Table
Germany's Election Outcomes: Migrants Confront Insecurity as Far-Right Support Grows
Unelected President Zelenskiy suggests he will step down only if the unthinkable occurs: Ukraine becomes a NATO member.
German Election Polls Indicate Change as Conservatives Take the Lead and the Far Right Makes Strides
Research Examines Possible Connection Between COVID-19 Vaccines and Post-Vaccination Syndrome
American Airlines Flight Rerouted to Rome Following Bomb Threat
German Chancellor Recognizes Party Loss in National Elections
Trump Commends German Election Outcomes as 'Fantastic Day for Germany'
German Political Leaders Respond to Election Outcomes
Preliminary Exit Polls Suggest Conservative Advantage in German Election
The US may restrict Ukraine's access to Starlink internet services due to mineral concerns.
Stabbing Incident in Mulhouse, France: One Fatality, President Condemns Islamist Terrorism
Vatican Declares Pope Francis' Health Status as 'Critical'
U.S. and Hungarian Officials Engage in Dialogue on Economic Collaboration and Sanctions Strategy
Tech Giants Ramp Up Lobbying Campaigns Against Strict EU Regulations
Pope Francis Admitted to Hospital in Rome Amid Increasing Speculation About Succession
Zelensky Calls on World Leaders to Back Peace Amidst Strains with Trump
UK Leader Keir Starmer Calls for US Security Guarantee in Ukraine Peace Deal
NATO Chief Urges Higher Defense Expenditure in Europe
The negotiation teams of Trump and Putin meet directly, establishing the groundwork for a significant advance.
Pope Francis Continues to Stay in the Hospital as Physicians Treat Complicated Infection.
Rubio Reaches Riyadh Before Important U.S.-Russia Discussions
Transatlantic Gold Rush: Traders Shift Bullion Amid Concerns Over Tariffs and Market Turmoil
AI Giants Confront Nvidia's Supremacy in Light of New Chip Innovations
Macron Summons Emergency Summit Amid Threats to Ukraine-War Business Model
Trump’s Defense Secretary: Ukraine Won’t Join NATO or Regain Lost Territories
Zelensky Urges Europe to Strengthen Its Military in Light of Uncertain US Assistance
Trump's Greenland Suggestion Sparks Sovereignty Discussion Amidst Historical Resentments
OpenAI Board Dismisses Elon Musk's Proposal for Acquisition
JD Vance and Scholz Did Not Attend the Munich Security Conference Together.
EU Official Participates in Discussions in Washington Amidst Trade Strains
Qatar Contemplates Reducing French Investments Due to PSG Chief Inquiry
Germany's Green Initiative Encounters Uncertainty Before Elections
Trump Did Not Notify Germany's Scholz About His Ukraine Peace Proposal
Munich Vehicle Assault Escalates Migration Discussion Before German Elections
NATO Allies Split on Trump's Request for 5% Defense Spending
European Parliament Advocates for Encrypted Messaging to Ensure Secure Communications
Trump's Proposed Defense Spending Goals Create Discord Among NATO Allies
French Prime Minister Bayrou Navigates a Challenging Path Amid Budget Survival and Immigration Discussions
Steering Through the Updated Chain of Command at the European Commission
Parliament Legislator Advocates for Preservation of AI Liability Directive
×