Former President Jimmy Carter Gets Emotional Military Salute

It’s a somber day in the United States as we say goodbye to former President James Earl Carter. Before becoming our leader in 1977, he served his country as a member of the United States Navy. To honor that legacy, his funeral procession began in the United States Capitol building. Military officers carried the 39th president’s casket draped in an American flag to a hearse parked outside. The procession stopped for a 21-gun salute and a performance of Hail to the Chief. It’s an emotional sight to see, even for Americans who aren’t political enthusiasts. Jimmy Carter lived to be 100 years old, the only president in United States history to reach centenarian status.

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It’s not often that we see political leaders with opposing views gather and appear to put their differences aside. But today, that’s what America saw. Bill Clinton, George Bush, Barack Obama, Joe Biden, and Donald Trump each sat in the pews of the National Cathedral, paying tribute to a man who held office before them.

In addition to politicians, Jimmy Carter’s funeral highlights included Garth Brooks and Tricia Yearwood’s rendition of Imagine and the U.S. Marine Orchestra and Armed Forces Chorus singing Eternal Father, Strong to Save.

President Biden said a eulogy for Jimmy Carter and Steve Ford, the son of President Gerald Ford, read a tribute to Jimmy written by his late father. In addition, Ted Mondale, whose father, Walter Mondale, served as Jimmy Carter’s vice president, read a message from his later father.

Jimmy Carter lived a long and happy life, and the number of people at his funeral and the kind words spoken about him prove he was one of the good ones. May he rest in peace.

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