Former President Jimmy Carter initiates his last expedition to his birthplace in Plains, Georgia, where his relatives will partake in his concluding service. Post which, he is slated to rest eternally beside his loving wife, Rosalynn Carter. The main service to honour the ex-President just concluded in the capital, Washington, D.C. The Capitol will host the commencement of the exalted series of rituals to commemorate Carter, followed by the primary service at the Washington National Cathedral, and closing with a farewell at Joint Base Andrews. Notable figures delivering comments at the somber ceremony included ex-President Gerald Ford, who served before Carter, and former Vice President Walter Mondale, Carter’s former running mate. Both gentlemen have since departed from this mortal coil. The congregation saw all the five surviving ex and present Commanders-in-Chief of our nation.
The specific aerial mission, number 39, carrying the deceased Carter’s coffin and his kin, has safely reached Lawson Army Airfield at Fort Moore, Georgia. A motorcade will escort them to Carter’s birthplace in Plains, Georgia. The Carter clan, now on-board Special Air Mission 39, will first touch ground at Fort Benning’s Lawson Army Airfield in Georgia. Following a short respite, they’ll continue towards Plains to be part of the memorial service and burial ritual. The final departure of Jimmy Carter, formerly holding the prestigious office of the President, is being facilitated by the Joint Base Andrews, their Special Air Mission 39 to be precise, that will transport Carter’s casket on his final journey to Plains.
As the somber spectacle of loading the casket onto the plane unfolds, the U.S. Air Force Band graces the occasion by playing ‘O Master, Let Me Walk with Thee.’ Former President Jimmy Carter’s casket is solemnly moved out of the Washington National Cathedral. As an accompaniment to the poignant procession, the U.S. Coast Guard Band delivers a touching musical tribute with ‘Faith of Our Fathers’ while the coffin proceeds.
The Washington National Cathedral witnesses the last of the Carter family and their loved one’s casket, marking the closure of the National Funeral Service. Accompanying the exit of the casket from the cathedral, the attendees united in a musical tribute, singing ‘All Hail the Power of Jesus’ Name.’ A tribute ceremony will follow outside of the cathedral, post which, the funeral procession will head towards Joint Base Andrews.
The United States Marine Chamber Orchestra, coupled with the Armed Forces Choir, treats the spectators to an extraordinary performance of ‘Eternal Father, Strong to Save.’ In a unique touch, statements authored by President Gerald Ford prior to his departure from life were shared at Jimmy Carter’s funeral. His son, Steve Ford, had the notable task to do so. Despite Carter historically defeating Ford in the presidential race of 1976, their relationship evolved into a profound friendship after their respective tenures in the White House. The bond was such that Carter was bestowed with the honor of delivering a eulogy at Ford’s funeral in 2006.