WASHINGTON: US President Joe Biden on Monday ordered the closure of federal government agencies and executive departments on Jan 9 to honour the 39th President Jimmy Carter, who passed away on Sunday at the age of 100, Anadolu Agency reported.
“All executive departments and agencies of the Federal Government shall be closed on January 9, 2025, as a mark of respect for James Earl Carter, Jr., the thirty-ninth President of the United States,” Biden said in an executive order signed Monday.
The date has also been declared as a National Day of Mourning to honour Carter, whom he called a “man of principle, faith, and humility.”
The state funeral for Jimmy Carter, the 39th president of the US, will take place on Jan 9 at Washington National Cathedral.
Additional public observances will be held in Atlanta and Washington, followed by a private interment in Carter’s hometown of Plains, Georgia.
Carter passed away peacefully, surrounded by family in his hometown of Plains, Georgia, where he had been in hospice care since Feb 18, 2023, according to the Carter Centre.
“Jimmy Carter lived a life measured not by words, but by his deeds,” Biden said in televised remarks addressing the death of the former US leader.
He highlighted Carter’s legacy as a champion for peace, civil rights, human rights and global democracy, as well as his efforts to build housing for the homeless.
“Today, America and the world lost a remarkable leader,” Biden said. “He was a statesman and humanitarian, and Jill and I lost a dear friend.”
Meanwhile, flags across government buildings are flying at half-staff in honour of Carter. – BERNAMA-AA
