Georgia bids its final farewells to President Jimmy Carter with a heartfelt motorcade tribute, honoring his legacy of compassion, honesty, and humanitarian work that reshaped his place in history and redefined the presidency.
ATLANTA, GA — Hundreds gathered in Atlanta to bid farewell to President Jimmy Carter, the 39th president of the United States, during a day of solemn remembrance and reflection after passing away at the age of 100.
The funeral motorcade carrying Carter’s remains arrived in downtown Atlanta, making its first stop at the Georgia State Capitol. There, Gov. Brian Kemp, Lt. Gov. Burt Jones, Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens, members of the Georgia Legislature, and Georgia State Patrol troopers led a moment of silence in his honor.
Following the motorcades journey, Carter’s remains were transported to the Carter Presidential Center, marking the final stop in Atlanta.
President Carter’s presidency faced challenges, and his public perception as a leader was often criticized during his time in the oval office. However, his legacy was redefined through decades of post presidential service.
Carter devoted himself to humanitarian causes, co-founding the Carter Center, where he worked to promote human rights, oversee foreign elections and combat diseases in impoverished nations.
His work with Habitat for Humanity, building homes for those in need, further cemented his reputation as a global humanitarian and advocate for the underserved and overlooked.
The bipartisan respect for Carter was evident through the day, reflecting his legacy as a leader who transcended political divides and tribulations.
Former Georgia Governor Sonny Perdue testified to Carters legacy, saying,
“Well, I think he’s going to be remembered as he is: a great person, a very compassionate, loving person that really cared for others.”
“He worked to improve lives around the world, not just here.” He said.
Perdue also emphasized the broader significance of the tributes pouring in from all sides.
“I hope this says something about us as a country, recognizing a great person and leader irrespective of partisanship. I have great respect for what he created and did for mankind,” Perdue added.
For many attendees, the ceremony was both inspirational and deeply moving.
Denise Smith, an Atlanta Constituent, shared with the Sentinel that, “It was inspirational. Yes, it was somber, but he’s left behind such a great legacy. My parents would be proud—he was a president they highly regarded.”
Rep. Dar’shun Kendrick, who represents the 95th House District, reflected with the Sentinel on Carter’s honesty and what other Politicians could learn from his legacy,
“As an elected official, his honesty stands out,” Kendrick said. “He promised honesty with the American people, even though it cost him an election. That’s something I’ll always carry with me,” she said.
Kendrick added that the ceremony left her feeling motivated as she prepared for the upcoming legislative session in Georgia.
“His services inspired me to keep going. His life’s work reminds us to lead with integrity and purpose,” she added.
Rep. Matt Reeves of District 99 noted how Carter “remained accessible” to the American people. While speaking to the Sentinel about his feelings on Carters legacy, he said, “From teaching Sunday school to engaging with the community in South Georgia and the Carter Center, Carter remained accessible.”
“He personally touched many Georgians.”
Reeves also reflected on Carter’s ability to restore integrity to the presidency during the tumultuous times of the late 1970s.
“After Vietnam and Watergate, America needed someone to restore integrity to the White House.” Reeves said.
As the motorcade completed its journey through the Capitol, attendees were left with a profound sense of gratitude for a life of dedicated public service. From his work with Habitat for Humanity to his global humanitarian efforts, Carter’s legacy will continue to inspire future leaders to rise above the occasion.
