Americans mourn President Jimmy Carter
From Atlanta to Minneapolis to New York, Americans paid tribute to President Jimmy Carter.
From California post offices to the U.S. Capitol, flags are flying at half-staff to honor the life and legacy of U.S. President Jimmy Carter following his death on Sunday at age 100.
President Joe Biden issued a proclamation commemorating the 39th president and ordering U.S. flags at all public buildings, facilities and naval vessels to be flown at half-staff for a 30-day period of mourning.
“President Carter was a man of character, courage, and compassion, whose lifetime of service defined him as one of the most influential statesmen in our history,” Biden said. “He embodied the very best of America:  A humble servant of God and the people.  A heroic champion of global peace and human rights, and an honorable leader whose moral clarity and hopeful vision lifted our Nation and changed our world.”
“Through his extraordinary moral leadership, President Carter lived a noble life full of meaning and purpose. And as a trusted spiritual leader, he shepherded people through seasons of pain and joy, inspiring them through the power of his example and healing them through the power of his guidance,” the proclamation stated.
Biden also asked the nation to keep Carter’s widow in their thoughts.
“As we mourn the loss of President Carter, we hold the memory of his beloved Rosalynn, his wife of over 77 years, close in our hearts. Exemplifying hope, warmth, and service, she and her husband inspired the Nation. The love Rosalynn and President Carter shared is the definition of partnership, and their devotion to public service is the definition of patriotism.”
Biden additionally appointed Jan. 9 as a National Day of Mourning.
Who is now the oldest living president?
With the death of Jimmy Carter, Biden is now the oldest living person to have held the office of President at 82.
He’s followed by Donald Trump, George Bush and Bill Clinton, all 78, and Barack Obama, 63.
California Gov. Gavin Newsom pays tribute to Jimmy Carter
California Gov. Gavin Newsom was among the countless leaders across the nation who paid tribute to Carter.
“Jennifer and I join the country and the world in mourning the passing of President Jimmy Carter, a tireless champion for human rights and democracy whose unparalleled life of service made the world a better place,” he said in a written statement.
“President Carter was a man of rare character — whose beliefs ran true and ran deep, whose moral compass never wavered. He saw the common humanity in all of us, building bridges between people of different faiths and factions abroad while working to meet the needs of those at home. Despite daunting challenges and trying times, his bright energy and spirit never faltered,” according to Newsom.
“Service was more than a career for President Carter, it was a way of life. After leaving the White House, the Carters made it their mission to advance global peace and health through the Carter Center, improving countless lives over four decades of humanitarian efforts,” he said. “President Carter’s candor and compassion, moral leadership, and sense of duty set a standard we all should aspire to. His enduring example reminds us that we can still find common ground despite our differences.”
Newsom ordered that the flags of the State Capitol also be flown at half-staff.
Who preceded, followed Jimmy Carter at the White House?
Carter took office in 1977 after an election victory over Republican incumbent President Gerald Ford, who assumed the presidency in 1974 following the resignation of Richard Nixon.
Following a single term, Carter was defeated in the 1980 election by Ronald Reagan, who took office in January of 1981.
Why do flags fly at half-staff?
U.S. flags typically fly at half-staff in the wake of national tragedies or after the deaths of government officials, military members, or first responders. They also fly half-staff during Memorial Day and other national days of remembrance.”The United States flag flies at half-staff or at half-mast when the nation or a state is in mourning,” USA.gov says. “The president, a state governor, or the mayor of the District of Columbia can order flags to fly at half-staff.”
What’s the difference between half-staff and half-mast
The difference between half-staff and half-mast depends on where the flag flies. The terms are often used interchangeably, but half-staff refers to a flag hanging halfway up on a flag pole on land, while half-mast pertains to a flag flying halfway up the mast on a ship at sea.
In honor of former President Jimmy Carter, flags at the State Capitol and Capitol Annex Swing Space will be flown at half-staff.
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Publish date : 2024-12-30 03:52:00
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