OF THE PEOPLE OF THE UNITED STATES:
It is my solemn duty to officially announce the death of James Earl Carter, Jr., the thirty-ninth President of the United States, on December 29, 2024.
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. He embodied the best of America: a humble servant of God and the people. A heroic fighter for world peace and human rights and an honorable leader whose moral clarity and hopeful vision lifted our nation and changed our world.
The son of a farmer and a nurse, President Carter's remarkable career in public service began in 1943 as a cadet at the United States Naval Academy. He later served in both the Atlantic and Pacific fleets before becoming a decorated lieutenant and being selected for the elite nuclear submarine program.
After his father's death, he transferred from active duty to the Navy Reserves and returned home to Plains, Georgia, to help manage the family peanut farm. He worked hard to manage the land while leading his community as a church deacon, Sunday school teacher, and member of the hospital and library board. His deep faith instilled in him a passion for public service that led to his election as Georgia State Senator, 76th Governor, and eventually President of the United States.
As President, he understood that a government must be as good as its citizens - and his faith in the people was boundless, as was his faith in America and his hope for our future together.
Under President Carter's leadership, a modern Department of Education and Department of Energy were created. He championed conservation, and his commitment to a more just world was at the heart of his foreign policy, leading negotiations on nuclear non-proliferation, signing the Panama Canal treaties, and brokering the historic Camp David Accords in 1978. His partnership with Vice President Walter Mondale is one that other administrations have sought.
After his election as president, Carter pushed an agenda that elevated the status of the least among us. Driven by an unwavering belief in the power of human goodness and the God-given dignity of every human being, he worked tirelessly around the world to broker peace, eradicate disease, house the homeless, and protect human rights, freedom, and democracy.
Because of his extraordinary moral leadership, President Carter lived a noble life of meaning and purpose. And as a trusted spiritual leader, he has guided people through times of pain and joy, inspiring them with the power of his example and healing them with the power of his leadership.
As we mourn the loss of President Carter, we hold in our hearts the memory of his beloved Rosalynn, his wife of more than 77 years. She and her husband exemplified hope, warmth and service and inspired the entire nation. The love that Rosalynn and President Carter shared is the definition of partnership, and their dedication to public service is the definition of patriotism.
May the memory of President Carter continue to be a light that shows us the way forward. May his spirit continue to guide us in our nation and in the world.
Now then, I, JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR.., President of the United States of America, by the authority vested in me by the Constitution and laws of the United States, in honor and memory of President James Earl Carter, Jr. and as an expression of public mourning, I hereby order that the flag of the United States be flown at half-staff at the White House and on all public buildings and grounds, on all military posts and naval stations, and on all naval vessels of the Federal Government in the District of Columbia and throughout the United States and its territories and possessions for a period of 30 days from the date of his death. I also direct that, for the same period, the representatives of the United States in foreign countries shall take like measures to fly the flag at half-staff over their embassies, legations, consular posts, and other installations abroad, including all military installations and naval vessels and stations.
I hereby order that units of the Armed Forces, by order of the Secretary of Defense, shall pay appropriate honors.
I further designate January 9, 2025, as the National Day of Mourning throughout the United States. I call upon the American people to assemble at appropriate places on that day to honor the memory of President James Earl Carter, Jr. I call on people around the world who share our grief to join in this solemn act.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-ninth day of December, in the year of our Lord two thousand and twenty-four, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-ninth.
JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR.
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