Former President Jimmy Carter's public farewell commenced Saturday in Plains, Georgia, the town where he was born. A procession carrying his flag-draped casket departed from Phoebe Sumter Medical Center, with former Secret Service agents serving as pallbearers. Carter's family, including his four children and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren, accompanied the cortege.
The motorcade will traverse Plains, passing by Carter's boyhood home, before continuing to Atlanta. Carter, who passed away at age 100 on December 29th, lived most of his life in and around Plains, with the exception of his Navy career and presidential terms.
Locals lined the procession route in downtown Plains, expressing their respects. A 12-year-old boy, inspired by Carter's legacy, traveled with his grandmother to witness the historic event. He highlighted Carter's proactive stance on humanitarian issues, including the construction of homes and peacemaking efforts.
The procession will pause in front of Carter's childhood home, where the National Park Service will toll the old farm bell 39 times in honor of his presidency. Following this stop, the procession will proceed to Atlanta, where Carter's remains will lie in repose before his transfer to Washington, D.C. for a state funeral at the U.S. Capitol. The funeral services are planned for Thursday at Washington National Cathedral, followed by a private burial in Plains.
This marks a significant chapter in American history, concluding a full life dedicated to public service.
