Former President Jimmy Carter's six-day funeral procession commenced Saturday, with his casket transported from a Georgia hospital to his hometown of Plains. Family members, dressed in black, observed as Secret Service agents carried the flag-covered casket into a hearse.
The procession made its way through Plains, Georgia, where dozens of mourners lined the streets. Many expressed their respect for the former president by saluting the hearse as it passed. Local residents displayed signs honoring Carter, praising his service. One mourner, Keaymonda Hollis, recalled Carter's impact on her small community, emphasizing how a person from a modest background could leave a significant mark on the world.
The procession then made a stop at Carter's childhood home, a site maintained by the National Park Service. A significant part of the ceremony involved the ringing of the historic farm bell 39 times, a tribute to his presidency. After a four-hour journey through Georgia, the procession arrived in Atlanta, where a private memorial service was held at the Carter Presidential Center.
Family members, including grandson Jason Carter, emphasized the significance of the gathering at the Presidential Center. "These buildings are filled with his life, not just as a museum, but because of the people who are here, from the library to the Carter Center," Jason Carter said. Other family members, including son James "Chip" Carter, shared personal anecdotes about the former president's dedication to his family. Chip Carter recalled how Carter personally tutored him in Latin, leading to improved academic performance.
The former president's body will lie in repose at the Carter Presidential Center until Tuesday morning, before being transported to Washington, D.C., for a national funeral service at the National Cathedral. Carter, a Democrat who served as president from 1977 to 1981, passed away at the age of 100 on December 29th.
