Many individuals from the capital city and nearby states, as well as some who journeyed over a thousand miles, came to pay their respects to the late president. Jimmy Carter, along with his wife Rosalynn, was well-known for his humanitarian work, actively volunteering with Habitat for Humanity and playing a key role in founding the Carter Center. In 2002, he was honored with the Nobel Peace Prize for his efforts in promoting peace, overseeing elections, and advancing human rights.
Participants shared their perspectives on Jimmy Carter’s century-long life, from shaping their views on the presidency to leaving behind a legacy of kindness and integrity. Amy Carter, the famous first child, returned to Washington to commemorate her father’s service. A large group of mourners gathered despite the bitter cold following a recent snowstorm, waiting patiently for hours to pay their respects.
A line formed outside the Capitol building in the evening, following a ceremony to transfer the casket and a funeral procession. From around 8:30 p.m., visitors from all corners of the country began to assemble in the Rotunda. Positioned beneath a solemn mural of George Washington, Carter’s casket was surrounded by a somber gathering of mourners and military personnel.
In the midst of this gathering, Sally Muhl contemplated what she would express in her mind as she stood before Carter’s casket. Ultimately, she settled on a simple expression of gratitude: “Thank you. Thank you for making a difference.” Muhl confessed that she generally held a low opinion of politicians, except for Jimmy Carter.
The public paid their respects as they gathered to pass by former President Jimmy Carter in the Rotunda at the U.S. Capitol on January 7, 2025, in Washington, D.C. Carter’s body was set to lie in state until a funeral service at the National Cathedral on January 9.
Peggy and Preston White, who traveled all the way from Oklahoma City, were fulfilling a promise made two years prior to honor Carter in person following his passing. Peggy White, a retired postal worker, held Carter in high regard since his time as governor of Georgia in 1971. She even wrote a college paper on his successful governorship and was deeply inspired by his leadership during the Iran hostage crisis.
In 1979, she joined the Navy, the same military branch where Carter had served. Her husband, Preston, admired Carter for his integrity and everyday kindness. “He accomplished remarkable things, yet he still taught Sunday school at a small church,” Preston noted. Celebrate the extraordinary life and contributions of Jimmy Carter, from a peanut farmer to president and humanitarian, with a new book. Mother and daughter, Lauren and Phyllis Sylvester, came together to pay their respects to Carter. Phyllis, a 71-year-old resident of Brookeville, MD, drove down to join her daughter, who lives in Washington, DC. Phyllis emphasized the importance of honoring a man like Carter, praising his humanity, love for the country, and care for the people. Former President Jimmy Carter and his wife, Rosalynn, were warmly welcomed at the Seelbach Hotel on Feb. 17, 1997, where they attended a fund-raising dinner for Habitat for Humanity in Louisville, KY. Lauren Sylvester, 36, attended the event with her mother, expressing admiration for the late president’s selfless approach to leadership. Carter’s presidency may have been debated, but his post-presidential legacy shines brightly. Reginald Watkins, 50, commended Carter for his scandal-free life and post-office efforts, such as building homes with Habitat for Humanity. Cecelia Dukuly steadied Carter’s hand as he worked on a Habitat for Humanity site in Milwaukee in 1989, showcasing his commitment to helping the less fortunate. Many, like Marshall Rocke, 60, traveled to Washington to honor Carter’s humanitarian work and described him as one of the greatest human beings. Rocke highlighted Carter’s efforts in eradicating Guinea worm disease, promoting democracy, and building homes for the needy. Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter greet fans at a baseball game in Atlanta in October 2010.
As Jimmy Carter’s lying in state concludes Thursday morning, his casket will be transported for a funeral at the National Cathedral in Washington, followed by a private ceremony in his hometown of Plains, Georgia. The tributes to Carter began in Georgia over the weekend, with lawmakers convening for a service honoring the 39th president before the public was invited into the Capitol Rotunda on Tuesday. His remains were brought to Capitol Hill in Washington in a procession meant to echo his 1977 inaugural parade.
Aggie Heller, 68, attended both events. She had voted for Carter in November 1976 and witnessed him and first lady Rosalynn Carter walking hand-in-hand up Pennsylvania Avenue during the Inaugural Parade in January – the first time a president had joined the parade on foot. Heller fondly recalled that cold January morning, mentioning Rosalynn’s pretty blue coat.
Returning to Washington from Maryland early Tuesday morning with a friend, Heller stopped at the condolence book after leaving the Capitol that night. She expressed her gratitude to Carter in writing “for all the years between” his inauguration almost five decades ago and his passing in December at the age of 100. “I am here because he was such a good man,” she said. “Nobody can match his loyalty to his country.”
President Joe Biden was asked by his friend Jimmy Carter to deliver his eulogy. It was a symbolic moment as Carter’s legacy was honored by friends, colleagues, and ordinary Americans alike. The ceremonies and tributes served as a reminder of the impact Carter had on the nation during his presidency and beyond.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Americans share what Jimmy Carter means to them.
