Biden Declares January 9 National Mourning Day for Jimmy Carter
President Joe Biden has declared January 9, 2025, a national day of mourning for the late President Jimmy Carter, who passed away at the age of 100 on Sunday. In a statement, Biden called on Americans to gather in places of worship to honor Carter’s memory. “I call on the American people to assemble on that day in their respective places of worship, there to pay homage to the memory of President James Earl Carter, Jr.,” Biden said. “I invite the people of the world who share our grief to join us in this solemn observance.”
Carter, who served as the 39th President of the United States, passed away at his home in Plains, Georgia, following years of health struggles, including melanoma that spread to his liver and brain. Known for his earnest nature and commitment to peace, Carter’s presidency was marked by both challenges and significant achievements. His leadership in brokering the 1978 Camp David Accords between Israel and Egypt was a high point, bringing some stability to the Middle East. However, his administration also faced an economic recession and the Iran hostage crisis, which dominated the latter part of his presidency.
Despite losing his re-election bid in 1980 to Ronald Reagan, Carter’s post-presidency years were marked by global humanitarian efforts. Through The Carter Center, he worked on projects related to peace, health, and human rights, earning a Nobel Peace Prize in 2002. Carter became widely respected for his work after leaving office, often regarded as a better former president than he was during his time in the White House, a view he himself acknowledged.
The Carter Center announced that there will be public observances in Atlanta and Washington, followed by a private interment in Plains. Final arrangements for Carter’s state funeral are still being planned. Carter’s passing comes less than two months after the death of his wife, Rosalynn, who passed away on November 19, 2023, at the age of 96.
