In a show of respect for former President Jimmy Carter, President Joe Biden issued an executive order on Monday to close all federal executive departments and agencies on January 9, the day of Carter’s funeral. This unprecedented closure serves as a tribute to the 39th president, who passed away at the age of 99. The White House emphasized that the closures are a mark of respect for Carter’s service to the nation, including his leadership as a U.S. Navy officer, Georgia governor, and president.
Carter will lie in state at the U.S. Capitol Rotunda, a rare honor, before his funeral at the Washington National Cathedral. In addition to the executive order, Biden declared January 9 a National Day of Mourning, ordering American flags to be flown at half-staff for 30 days to honor Carter’s legacy. In a statement, President Biden encouraged Americans to gather in their places of worship that day to reflect on Carter’s contributions and life.
Jimmy Carter’s career spanned several key roles, each of which left a lasting impact on the country. As president, he played a pivotal role in the creation of the modern Department of Education and the Department of Energy. His administration focused on energy conservation, nuclear nonproliferation, and global diplomacy, striving for peace and human rights in regions like the Middle East and Africa. Carter’s commitment to public service, even after leaving office, is widely admired. He continued to champion humanitarian causes through the Carter Center, promoting peace, combating disease, and defending human rights around the world.
Carter’s deep faith and belief in the potential for human goodness were central to his life’s work. Alongside him every step of the way was his wife, Rosalynn, who stood by him for over 77 years, embodying a partnership that served as an example of dedication and love for the nation and each other.