Montgomery, Ala. (WDNews) – Gov. Kay Ivey has ordered flags across Alabama and at the state Capitol to be lowered to half-staff for 30 days in honor of former President Jimmy Carter, who passed away Sunday.
The governor’s proclamation celebrates Carter’s remarkable life, beginning with his military service and his political rise. It reads, “A native of Plains, Georgia, approximately 40 miles from the Alabama state line, Jimmy Carter first served his country as a lieutenant in the United States Navy. After his father died, he left military service to return home to take over the family peanut farm. In 1962, Carter entered politics running successfully for the Georgia State Senate.”
The proclamation also highlights Carter’s victory in the 1976 presidential election and the challenges faced during his term, stating, “In December 1974, Jimmy Carter jumped into the Democratic primary for President among a field of more than a dozen candidates. His long-shot candidacy was not only victorious in the primary but ultimately in the 1976 general election. He served one term in office as President during which time our country faced many challenges from an energy shortage to U.S. diplomats being taken hostage in Iran.”
After leaving office in 1981, Carter became known for his humanitarian efforts, which the proclamation recognized, stating, “After leaving the White House in 1981, Carter forged the longest post presidency of any American chief executive. He was well known for his advocacy of international human rights through the Carter Center, and his hands-on assistance to disadvantaged persons through his years of volunteering for Habitat for Humanity.”
Gov. Ivey concluded, “Jimmy Carter not only lived the longest of any former U.S. President, but his life also brought greater dignity to the presidency.”
President Joe Biden has scheduled a state funeral for Carter in Washington and declared Jan. 9, 2025, as a National Day of Mourning.
