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Five US Presidents attend Jimmy Carter’s State Funeral

A brief moment of national unity emerged in a divided America on Thursday as five former U.S. presidents gathered for the solemn state funeral of the 39th commander-in-chief, Jimmy Carter, at Washington’s National Cathedral.

In a historic scene occurring just 11 days before Donald Trump’s inauguration for what promises to be a turbulent second term, the incoming president and outgoing President Joe Biden momentarily set aside their bitter rivalry to honor Carter’s legacy together. They were joined by former presidents Barack Obama, George W. Bush, and Bill Clinton for the somber ceremony, which paid tribute to Carter, who passed away on December 29 at the age of 100 in his home state of Georgia.

Earlier in the week, Carter’s casket was transported to Washington atop a gun carriage, arriving at the snow-covered U.S. Capitol on Tuesday. Hundreds of service members accompanied the casket, with military pallbearers carrying it to the Rotunda to lie in state ahead of Thursday’s ceremony—the first presidential funeral since George H.W. Bush’s in 2018.

As the motorcade made its way through the streets, crowds gathered to pay their respects, snapping photographs and saluting as it passed by. At Carter’s family peanut farm in Plains, a bell was rung 39 times in silent tribute by staff members.

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer described Carter as “one of the most decent and humble public servants we have ever seen.” He added, “President Carter was a living embodiment of leadership through service, compassion, and a thirst for justice for all.”

The ceremony was not just a farewell to a beloved leader but also a poignant reminder of the values that Carter stood for throughout his life and presidency.

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