Live coverage of Jimmy Carter’s funeral today as former president is laid to rest
The Rev. Randolph Hollerith, dean of the National Cathedral, said that following Dwight Eisenhower, Ronald Reagan, Gerald Ford, George Carter’s funeral was the fifth official state funeral for a president held at the National Cathedral since President George HW Bush. Reporter on Wednesday.
But “each funeral itself, whether presidential or otherwise, is completely unique,” Hollerith added.
He said preparation time for cathedrals is generally limited, “usually eight to 10 days.” News of Carter’s death meant that “the whole cathedral – all the staff and everyone – we went into the mode of preparing to pay tribute to him.”
Hollerith said the ceremony will include readings, prayers, eulogies and sermons, “there will be a lot of beautiful music and there will be a military honor guard present.”
“It will be very dignified but also very gratifying,” he added.
Hollerith thought Carter would appreciate service delivered beyond partisan rancor.
“When we have a presidential funeral or a national gathering like this, it brings together left and right, Republicans and Democrats in Washington, D.C.,” Hollerith said. “I know he would love to see America come together.”
— Gillian Morley
