Nation Gathers to Mourn Passing of Former President Jimmy Carter

Former President Jimmy Carter was laid to rest on Thursday in his hometown of Plains, Georgia following an official state funeral earlier in the day at Washington National Cathedral. Here is a look back at the final remembrances for the nation's 39th president.

Carter's Remembrance Services Lasted for Six Days

The tributes to Carter lasted for six days, beginning on Saturday outside of the family farm in Archery, Georgia. A farm bell was rung 39 total times, signifying his place in a long line of U.S. presidents. The former president's body was transferred from Phoebe Sumter Medical Center by current and former Secret Service agents that had served Carter, loading his remains into an awaiting black hearse. The agents accompanied the casket as it traveled to Plains, stopping at the farm for a short time for the bell ringing tribute.

Mourners lined the streets of the journey to say one last goodbye as the motorcade passed through the town of Plains. The motorcade went on to the Georgia state capitol in Atlanta where Gov. Brian Kemp paid his respects leading a moment of silence.

Carter's casket was flown to Andrews Air Force Base in Maryland on Tuesday afternoon where it was then taken to the U.S. Capitol building in Washington, D.C. The body laid in state in the famed rotunda until Thursday morning, giving the public the chance to line up to say goodbye.

Upon arriving at the rotunda, the casket was greeted by several lawmakers, including Vice President Kamala Harris, newly appointed Senate Majority Leader John Thune, and House Speaker Mike Johnson. The rotunda gathering also included several members of Carter's family. President-elect Donald Trump arrived to pay his respects as the body laid in state.

Thursday's Memorial Service

President Joe Biden declared Thursday a national day of mourning in honor of the celebration of life for Carter. Biden also delivered a eulogy at the service at Washington National Cathedral on Thursday morning for the first U.S. president to reach age 100.

In delivering the eulogy, Biden reflected on a visit to Plains in 2021. The president recounted how Carter and his wife greeted him like family.

Jason Carter, the eldest grandchild, also spoke about his grandfather's life and legacy during the service. The ceremony also featured a musical performance by Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood, singing John Lennon's "Imagine."

Former Living Presidents Gather to Remember Carter

While the focus of the day was on Carter and his vast contributions to U.S. politics and society, the gathering of all of the former living presidents in one room also stole some of the headlines. The front two rows of the historic cathedral were filled with a who's who of American politics.

In one row, viewers could see former President Barack Obama seated next to Trump. The two were caught on camera several times talking and laughing. Seated next to Obama were former President George W. Bush and his wife Laura.

The former first lady Michelle Obama was not in attendance, citing scheduling conflicts. Also in attendance were former President Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State and U.S. Senator Hillary Clinton. Bill Clinton now has the distinction of being the last living U.S. president of this 20th century.

President Biden was the last leader to arrive, walking into the cathedral holding hands with first lady Jill Biden. The Bidens sat with Harris and her husband Douglas Emhoff.

In another notable moment, former Vice President Mike Pence shook hands with Trump before being seated in the row behind the former presidents. Pence was seated between his wife, Karen, and fellow former Vice President Al Gore.

Final Resting Place in Plains, Georgia

Following the somber ceremony in the nation's capital, Carter left the district for the last time, landing at about 3:30 pm local time at Lawson Army Airfield in Fort Moore, Georgia. Before leaving Andrews Air Force Base, a special honor guard gave Carter one final salute during a departure ceremony.

The ceremonial troops presented a formal arms and rendered honors, including the four Ruffles and Flourishes, Hail to the Chief, and a moving 21-gun salute. The U.S. Air Force Band then played O Master, Let Me Walk with Thee.

After a short military ceremony upon arrival in Georgia, the casket traveled through Richland and Preston on the way to Plains. A private family service was then held at Maranatha Baptist Church in Plains.

The Carter family personal pastor, Tony Lowden, gave a eulogy that praised Carter for his commitment to public service and humanitarianism around the world. Carter was a longtime member of the church, teaching Sunday school for years after leaving the Oval Office.

The former president was finally laid to rest next to his beloved wife of 77 years, Rosalynn.