WASHINGTON — President Biden on Sunday declared January 9 a national day of mourning to honor former President Jimmy Carter, inviting Americans to gather in their places of worship to pay tribute to the late leader.
“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 in a proclamation issued by the White House. “I invite the people of the world who share our grief to join us in this solemn observance.”
Carter, who turned 100 in October, was the longest-living U.S. president before his passing.
A legacy beyond the presidency
Carter served as the 39th president of the United States from 1977 to 1981, a tenure marked by economic challenges and diplomatic crises, including the Iran hostage situation. However, his legacy underwent a transformation in the years that followed, particularly through his humanitarian work, which earned him a Nobel Peace Prize in 2002.
In a statement, Carter’s son, Chip Carter, reflected on his father’s impact. “My father was a hero, not only to me but to everyone who believes in peace, human rights, and unselfish love,” he said.
