Editor In Chief
On Dec. 29, 2024, beloved former President Jimmy Carter passed away in the comfort of his home in Plains, Georgia, surrounded by family and loved ones. Carter spent the past two years in hospice, partially with his wife and former first lady, Rosalynn Carter, who passed away in November of 2023.
Carter began his political career as the Georgia governor before he ran for president in 1976 as the Democratic candidate. Following Richard Nixon’s tumultuous presidency, Carter appealed to the American people, promising transparency and truth. He defeated the Republican candidate Gerald Ford who faced criticism for pardoning Nixon for his actions in the Watergate scandal. During Carter’s presidency, he dealt with various hardships, such as the Cold War, the women’s rights movement, and fluctuating oil markets. Carter brokered a peace deal in the Middle East, known as the Camp David Accords, one of the greatest achievements of his presidency. Much of Carter’s legacy, though, came after his presidency ended.
Following his time in office, Carter established the Carter Center, which aimed to improve human rights and further the spread of democracy worldwide. The center has specifically assisted with disease eradication, election monitoring, human rights advocacy, and conflict resolution. Additionally, Carter spent much of the remainder of his life volunteering for Habitat for Humanity, where he advocated for affordable housing for Americans. Due to his outstanding commitment to humanity, he received the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002. Carter set the standard for future presidents for public service following the presidency.
The US honored Carter at his state funeral on Jan. 9 at the Washington National Cathedral in Washington, D.C. All five living US presidents attended the funeral. President Joe Biden announced that Jan. 9 would be a National Day of Mourning across the US, and all US flags would fly at half-staff for the next thirty days. Carter’s son, Chip Carter, spoke at his funeral, saying, “My father was a hero, not only to me but to everyone who believes in peace, human rights, and unselfish love. My brothers, sister, and I shared him with the rest of the world through these common beliefs. The world is our family because of the way he brought people together, and we thank you for honoring his memory by continuing to live these shared beliefs.” Additionally, Biden, who had been friends with Carter for over fifty years, provided Americans with some final advice. He said, “To all of the young people in this nation and for anyone in search of what it means to live a life of purpose and meaning – the good life – study Jimmy Carter, a man of principle, faith, and humility.”
(Source: CNN, Deadline, NY Times, PBS)
Categories: National