America bids farewell to its former president Jimmy Carter, marking the start of six days of ceremonies

In front of the family farm in Plains (Georgia), where he grew up, the bell will ring 39 times, in tribute to the 39th American head of state that he was.

The start of a ballet of ceremonies, until the day of national mourning on January 9. The nation's tribute to former President of the United States Jimmy Carter, who died on December 29 at the age of 100, opens on Saturday January 4. The six-day ceremony will kick off at 10:15 a.m. (4:15 p.m. in Paris). The convoy will first travel through his small hometown of Plains, Georgia. In front of the family farm where he grew up, the bell will ring 39 times, in tribute to the 39th American head of state that he was.

Then head to Atlanta, capital of Georgia, with a moment of contemplation in front of the Capitol of this southeastern state, where he was a local senator before becoming governor. Then the hearse will arrive at the Carter Center, the foundation created in 1982 by the former president and his wife Rosalynn Carter, who died in 2023 at age 96. On Tuesday morning, his family will then accompany the late Jimmy Carter aboard the official plane called “Special Air Mission 39”, heading to Washington. He will be the 13th former president to be exhibited at the Capitol, the seat of Congress in the capital.

Thursday, January 9, the remains of Jimmy Carter will leave the Capitol around 9 a.m., towards the Washington National Cathedral, for the funeral of this pious man. Outgoing President Joe Biden, 82, to deliver eulogy for man he celebrated “righteousness”. His successor, Republican Donald Trump, 78, far from being favored by Jimmy Carter, announced his presence.

In tribute, American flags were flown at half-mast for 30 days, including January 20, angering the president-elect, who said Friday that “no one wanted to see” this during the investiture ceremony. Living former presidents Bill Clinton, George W. Bush and Barack Obama are also expected to attend. Accompanied by his family, the deceased will board the same “Special Air Mission 39” for his final journey to Georgia. A private funeral will be held at a Baptist church in Plains at 3:45 p.m.