Biden closes government in honor of Jimmy Carter

Former President Jimmy Carter passed away, prompting President Biden to issue an executive order closing all executive departments and agencies of the federal government on Jan. 9 as a mark of respect for the 39th president. The closures will be in effect on the day of Carter’s funeral, where he will lie in state in the Rotunda of the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., before being laid to rest at the Washington National Cathedral.

In honor of Carter, Biden signed a proclamation declaring Jan. 9 as a National Day of Mourning and ordered all American flags to fly at half-staff for the next 30 days. The president called on the American people to assemble in their respective places of worship to pay homage to Carter’s memory and invited people around the world who share in the grief to join in the solemn observance.

Carter, who hailed from Plains, Georgia, had a diverse career that included serving in the Navy, becoming a state senator, Georgia’s 76th governor, and eventually the President of the United States. During his time in office, Carter played crucial roles in the creation of the modern Department of Education and the Department of Energy, as well as spearheading conservation efforts and nuclear nonproliferation.

Throughout his life, Carter’s faith in the goodness of humanity and his belief in America’s potential were unwavering. He worked tirelessly to promote peace, eradicate disease, provide housing for the homeless, and protect human rights, freedom, and democracy on a global scale. His dedication to these causes and his boundless optimism for the future earned him respect and admiration worldwide.

Carter’s legacy is also deeply intertwined with his late wife, Rosalynn, who stood by his side for over 77 years. Together, they championed causes such as Habitat for Humanity, leaving a lasting impact on communities and individuals in need.

As we reflect on the life and accomplishments of President Jimmy Carter, we are reminded of his commitment to serving others and his unwavering belief in the power of human goodness. His legacy will continue to inspire generations to come, and his contributions to society will be remembered for years to come.

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This article was written by [Alexandra Koch](#), a breaking news writer for Fox News Digital, with a focus on covering breaking news, crime, religion, and the military in the southeast.