January 9 is a national day of mourning for Jimmy Carter. Here’s what WA politicians say

January 9 has been designated a national day of mourning following the death of the U.S.’s longest-living president, Jimmy Carter.

The 39th president reportedly died peacefully at his home on Dec. 29, 2024. He was 100 years old.

In his announcement of the death, President Biden designated a national day of mourning and a 30-day flag lowering declaration in accordance with American tradition. According to the American Presidency Project, a day of mourning has been observed for the death of every U.S. president since Franklin D. Roosevelt.

“I call on the American people to assemble on that day in their respective places of worship, there to pay homage to the memory of President James Earl Carter, Jr.,” stated President Biden in the declaration. “I invite the people of the world who share our grief to join us in this solemn observance.”

Mourning former president Carter

A national day of mourning includes the closure of all federal departments and agencies. The U.S. Postal Service stated there may be limited deliveries, but not regular mail service.

Nasdaq and the New York Stock Exchange will both be closed as well.

Funeral services began over the weekend and conclude during the day of mourning.

The former president’s body will spend the night of Jan. 8 in the Capitol Building. During an official ceremony, the motorcade will transport Carter to the Washington National Cathedral at 9 a.m., with the national funeral service beginning at 10 a.m. ET on Jan. 9.

Following the national services, the Carter family and the former president’s body will travel to Georgia for private services in the afternoon of Jan. 9.

Washington politicians speak on Carter’s death

Washington state Governor Jay Inslee echoed President Biden’s directive to lower flags for 30 days. In his declaration, Inslee stated he was deeply saddened by Carter’s death.

Senator Maria Cantwell issued a statement recognizing the former president’s rural beginnings, his career in the Navy, his success in business and his dedication to affordable housing.

“President Carter was one of the first Presidents to truly understand the value of protecting and preserving our nation’s public lands and waters. We owe preservation of premiere Alaska wilderness and many other places to his leadership…” Cantwell stated. “My heart and prayers go out to his family during this difficult time.”

“President Jimmy Carter lived a life of public service long after he left the White House,” Senator Patty Murray posted on X, formerly known as Twitter. “His kindness and compassion—whether through his philanthropy here at home or his tireless efforts to broker peace around the world—were a model for all Americans. He will be greatly missed.”