The nation will pause on Thursday to honor former President Jimmy Carter with a national day of mourning.
Happening Now: Tune in as our nation pays tribute to the life and legacy of former President Jimmy Carter at the Lying in State Ceremony in the United States Capitol. https://t.co/mry9PhtNuq
— Vice President Kamala Harris (@VP) January 7, 2025
Carter, who served as the 39th president from 1977 to 1981, passed away on December 29, 2024, at the age of 100 in his home in Plains, Georgia. President Joe Biden has ordered all federal departments and agencies to close on January 9, except for those necessary for national security, defense, or other public needs.
Federal employees will have the day off, allowing them to participate in observances or reflect on Carter’s legacy.
To honor the late former president Jimmy Carter, the Social Customer Response Center will be closing on Wednesday, January 8th at 6 p.m. EST. We will be back Friday, January 10th at 8 a.m. EST.
— U.S. Postal Service (@USPS) January 8, 2025
The day of mourning will coincide with Carter’s state funeral at the Washington National Cathedral, where President Biden is expected to deliver a eulogy. Additionally, a eulogy written by the late President Gerald R.
Ford will be read by his son, Steven Ford.
Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter will be honored today at a state funeral at Washington National Cathedral at 10 a.m. Watch the live stream at https://t.co/rPspCMrOJJ. pic.twitter.com/I9xgrLBCZn
— The Carter Center (@CarterCenter) January 9, 2025
Honoring Carter through national observance
American flags at various locations, including the White House, public buildings, military bases, naval ships, and U.S. embassies worldwide, have been ordered to fly at half-staff for 30 days following Carter’s death to honor his memory.
The U.S. Postal Service will suspend regular operations on January 9, although there may still be limited package deliveries. The Supreme Court building will also be closed on Thursday, as ordered by Chief Justice John Roberts, despite the court not being scheduled to be in session that day. Wall Street will join the nation in mourning, with the New York Stock Exchange and Nasdaq closing for trading.
The bond market will close at 2 pm EST, as recommended by the Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association. Tal Cohen, Nasdaq president, stated, “We mourn the loss of President Carter and will be closing our US markets during the National Day of Mourning to celebrate his life and honor his legacy.”
The closures reflect the respect and reverence for Carter’s life of service and dedication, which left an indelible mark on the nation. President Biden called on the American people to assemble in their respective places of worship to pay homage to the memory of President James Earl Carter Jr.
and invited the people of the world who share the nation’s grief to join in this solemn observance.
