As Georgia and the nation mourn the passing of former President Jimmy Carter, residents and admirers will have several opportunities to pay their respects. The funeral procession honoring the life of the 100-year-old former president will begin Saturday, and it will make multiple stops in places deeply tied to Carter’s legacy.
Jimmy Carter, who passed away Sunday, is remembered not just for his time as the 39th president of the United States, but for his extensive post-presidential work championing human rights, justice, and peace. His passing has prompted an outpouring of tributes from around the world, and the public is now invited to say their final goodbyes.
A Moment to Honor the Life of Jimmy Carter
The public will have several chances to honor Carter starting on Saturday, with the funeral procession marking the first of many opportunities. The motorcade will leave Phoebe Sumter Medical Center in Americus, Georgia, at 10:30 a.m., traveling through Carter’s hometown of Plains, where he and his wife, former First Lady Rosalynn Carter, lived after leaving the White House in 1980.
As the motorcade passes through Plains, it will briefly stop in front of Carter’s boyhood home and family farm. There, the National Park Service will ring the farm bell 39 times, symbolizing Carter’s role as the 39th president. This personal and poignant tribute serves as a reminder of Carter’s deep roots in the community that shaped him.
For those along the route, including residents of Preston, Ellaville, Butler, Reynolds, and Fort Valley, there will be opportunities to view the procession as it makes its way toward Atlanta.
Public Viewing and Moments of Reflection
The first major stop on the motorcade’s journey is scheduled for 3 p.m. in Atlanta at the Georgia State Capitol. The Capitol holds great significance for Carter, having been the site where he served both as governor and as a state senator. It is here that the motorcade will pause for a moment of silence, with Governor Brian Kemp and other state officials leading the tribute.
This public viewing provides a chance for the people of Georgia to reflect on Carter’s contributions not just as a president, but as a public servant who shaped the state and the nation. Those who have been touched by Carter’s work in both the political and humanitarian spheres will have the opportunity to express their respect and admiration.
Family’s Appreciation for Global Support
In a statement released earlier this week, Carter’s family expressed their deep gratitude for the outpouring of support they have received since his death. “The outpouring of love and support we have received from around the world confirms what we have known all along — Jimmy Carter’s family extends far beyond blood relatives,” the family said. “We are sincerely grateful for everyone’s words of comfort and acts of kindness following the passing of such a champion of human rights, justice, and peace.”
As part of the funeral arrangements, well-wishers are encouraged to arrive early and be prepared for large crowds. A public participation guide is available, ensuring that those attending are informed of the schedule and locations for the public viewings. It is recommended to arrive at least an hour before any of the scheduled stops to ensure the best possible experience.
A Final Tribute to a President’s Legacy
Jimmy Carter’s funeral services will serve as a final tribute to his remarkable life, which spanned over a century and touched countless lives around the world. His commitment to peace, human rights, and justice left an indelible mark on both the United States and the global community.
As Georgians gather in Plains, Atlanta, and along the procession route to honor him, they are reminded of Carter’s lasting impact—both in the political sphere and through his humanitarian work. The funeral service is expected to be a fitting homage to a man whose legacy has transcended the confines of politics and become a beacon of hope and compassion for future generations.
