A national day of mourning has been declared for the funeral of former President Jimmy Carter on January 9th, impacting various services and markets across the U.S. President Biden issued an executive order designating the day as a period of remembrance, leading to closures of some government operations and financial markets.
Mourning Period Closures: The day of mourning, though not a federal holiday, will affect numerous services. The U.S. Postal Service will suspend operations. Key financial markets, including the Nasdaq and the New York Stock Exchange, will be closed for trading. Furthermore, all federal departments and agencies will be closed, except for essential personnel involved in national security.
Financial Market Closures: The Nasdaq will close its equities and options markets for the day, observing a moment of silence at 9:20 AM Eastern Time. The bond market will close at 2:00 PM Eastern. The New York Stock Exchange will also be closed, with flags flown at half-staff. While many businesses and banks will remain open, checking local hours is recommended.
Impact on Other Services: The postal service will cease operations, but UPS and FedEx services are expected to run as scheduled. UPS Store and FedEx Office locations will remain open. National parks will generally be open, but their administrative centers will be closed.
President Biden's Elogy and Trump's Attendance: President Biden will deliver a eulogy at the Washington National Cathedral. President-elect Trump has indicated his intention to attend the funeral service. Flags will remain at half-staff for 30 days following Carter's passing.
Historical Context: The national day of mourning follows a similar declaration in December 2018 after the death of President George H.W. Bush. This period of remembrance underscores the significance of the former president in US history.
