Former US President Jimmy Carter was commemorated at a state funeral held at the Washington National Cathedral, with President Joe Biden delivering a eulogy in his honour.
Carter, who passed away last month in Georgia, held the distinction of being the oldest living former US president and the first to reach the age of 100.
His presidency is notably marked by significant foreign policy achievements, including brokering the historic peace agreement between Israel and Egypt, normalising diplomatic ties with China, and securing treaties that transferred control of the Panama Canal from the United States to Panama.
The service witnessed the rare gathering of President-elect Donald Trump and former Presidents Bill Clinton, George W. Bush, and Barack Obama. This marked their first public reunion since the funeral of President George H.W. Bush in December 2018.
In the Tri-State Area, Carter’s legacy was honoured with solemn tributes. Flags flew at half-staff outside the Stamford Government Centre, while inside, dozens of people observed a moment of silence at 10 am.
Stamford Mayor Caroline Simmons reflected on Carter’s enduring commitment to public service, stating, “Through that service, he has touched the lives of millions of people, helped eradicate disease, and continued to promote democracy and human rights around the world. He was really an inspiration to so many.”
The 39th president was remembered as a principled leader whose vision often surpassed his era.