The news of former President Jimmy Carter's passing brought significant changes to federal operations across the United States.
According to Fox News, President Biden signed an executive order to close all federal government departments and agencies on January 9, designating it as a National Day of Mourning for the 39th president.
The closure announcement coincides with plans for Carter to lie in state at the U.S. Capitol Rotunda, with a funeral service scheduled at Washington National Cathedral. President Biden's proclamation also mandates American flags to be flown at half-staff for 30 days, marking a period of national remembrance for the former president.
The White House's statement emphasizes Carter's expansive contributions to American governance and global humanitarian efforts. His presidency was marked by significant institutional developments, including the establishment of the Department of Education and the Department of Energy. These achievements reflect his commitment to advancing American infrastructure and educational systems.
Carter's journey from a peanut farmer in Plains, Georgia, to the nation's highest office exemplifies a remarkable American story. His service in the United States Naval Academy and subsequent deployments in both Atlantic and Pacific fleets preceded his political career, which included roles as state senator and Georgia's 76th governor before ascending to the presidency.
The former president's dedication to public service extended well beyond his time in office. His post-presidential work focused on global peace initiatives, disease eradication, housing for the homeless, and the protection of human rights and democracy worldwide.
President Biden's statement to the American people carries significant weight regarding the observance of this solemn occasion. In his proclamation, Biden stated:
I call on the American people to assemble on that day in their respective places of worship, there to pay homage to the memory of President James Earl Carter, Jr. I invite the people of the world who share our grief to join us in this solemn observance.
The White House further emphasized Carter's presidential philosophy with the following statement:
As President, he understood that Government must be as good as its people — and his faith in the people was boundless, just as his belief in America was limitless and his hope for our common future was perennial.
The closure of federal operations represents an extraordinary measure to honor Carter's memory. This decision affects countless government employees and services across the nation, demonstrating the profound impact of Carter's passing on American institutional operations.
The comprehensive nature of the government closure underscores the significance of Carter's contributions to American society. The decision to have him lie in state at the U.S. Capitol Rotunda represents one of the highest honors bestowed upon American public servants.
The coordination between various government entities to facilitate these commemorative events demonstrates the extensive planning involved in honoring a former president. The White House, Capitol officials, and National Cathedral authorities are working in concert to ensure appropriate tributes to Carter's legacy.
These arrangements acknowledge Carter's presidential service and his humanitarian work alongside his late wife Rosalynn, who stood with him through their remarkable 77-year marriage.
Former President Jimmy Carter's passing has prompted unprecedented federal actions, including the closure of government operations on January 9 and a 30-day period of flying flags at half-staff. The former president will receive full honors with a lying-in-state ceremony at the U.S. Capitol Rotunda and a funeral service at Washington National Cathedral. These commemorative events reflect Carter's distinguished service as the 39th president and his extensive humanitarian work that continued long after his presidency, encompassing global peace initiatives, disease eradication, and advocacy for human rights and democracy.
