By Esteban Capdepon Sendra
Washington, Jan 8 (EFE). – Hundreds of citizens went to the funeral chapel installed in the United States Capitol on Thursday before the state funeral to bid farewell to former President Jimmy Carter (1977-1981), who died on Dec. 29 at the age of 100.
“I think it’s a unique moment to remember someone so important in the history of the United States,” Peter, a young American, told EFE.
Like him, many other citizens braved the cold caused by the snowstorm to bid farewell to the country’s 39th president. Some even wore a badge with his picture .
“He was an honest and decent man; that is not easy in politics. He made a lot of personal sacrifices and that’s why I came,” Eugenia, a Portuguese woman living in Washington, told EFE.
Carter’s Legacy
Beyond his presidency, the citizens waiting to enter the Capitol remembered most of all Carter’s legacy after hi left the White House.
“If there’s one president in the entire history of the United States who has done more after his career in the White House than any other, it’s Jimmy Carter,” said Taylor, another of the citizens waiting to pay her respects.
“He did a lot to make sure that people who didn’t have access to as many resources as he did had access to the kind of attention and love that they really needed to feel fulfilled and happy,” she added.
Vicky, a woman who traveled from New Jersey (about a 3-hour drive), also coincided on the importance of Carte’s legacy after he left the White House.
“He did a lot of things right after his presidency with his altruistic work around the world – from working with Habitat for Humanity to working with other countries to ensure safe and fair elections,”
she said.
“I believe his legacy will be his faith, his integrity, his love for democracy andpeople around the world,” he added.
Several noted Carter’s work to achieve peace between Egypt and Israel, which was eventually formalized with the signing of the Camp David Accords in 1978, and for which he was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002, among other honors.
“He had some problems, but I think he handled them gracefully. He was always very diplomatic. He didn’t have a big head and he liked to talk. He did a lot of good in the world,” said Mary, an Australian visiting the United States.
In addition to the Camp David Accords, Carter “did a lot for environmental policy with the national parks policy,” Mary said.
The casket, which lay in state Tuesday afternoon in an emotional tribute that included Vice President Kamala Harris, will remain there until Thursday morning when it will be taken to Washington National Cathedral for a state funeral.
Outgoing US President Joe Biden and President-elect Donald Trump are expected to attend the funeral. EFE
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