WASHINGTON — The nation is mourning the death of former President Jimmy Carter.

Presidents past and present joined with Carter’s family, members of his administration and hundreds of dignitaries at the National Cathedral in Washington on Thursday. The funeral service prompted both tears and smiles as Carter was remembered as a man of courage, character and principle.

What You Need To Know

  • A day of emotion and history in Washington, as former President Jimmy Carter is remembered at a state funeral service

  • The 39th President died in late December at the age of 100

  • Wisconsin lawmakers remember him as a peace-oriented and charitable person

“It’s still hard for me to understand how you can get to be president from Plains, Georgia,” said Rev. Andrew Young, the former U.S. Ambassador to the U.N. The pews were full of laughter.

President Joe Biden, who in 1976 was the first sitting senator to endorse Carter for President, delivered one of the eulogies.

“Jimmy Carter’s friendship taught me, and through his life [he] taught me, that strength of character is more than title or the power we hold,” Biden said. “It’s the strength to understand that everyone should be treated with dignity, respect. That everyone, and I mean everyone, deserves an even shot.”

The funeral brought together Democrats and Republicans with all five of Carter’s living successors in attendance, including Donald Trump, who will be president again.

Members of Wisconsin’s congressional delegation this week praised Carter for his service. As a volunteer with Habitat for Humanity, Carter helped to build homes in Wisconsin, including six in Milwaukee in 1989.

“I mean, just look at the charitable aspect that he and his wife and family have done even since he was president,” said Rep. Wied, R-Green Bay. “A great deal of respect for President Carter and his wife.”

Carter, who died at 100 in December, also impacted the international stage, most especially by brokering the Camp David Accords, the landmark peace agreement between Egypt and Israel. After his presidency, he traveled the world promoting peace and working to eradicate treatable diseases.

“He had huge compassion,” said Rep. Mark Pocan, D-Madison. “He understood our role in the world. He talked about the rights of Palestinians as well as Israelis. He talked about a lot of things that were very peace-oriented, that we don’t really talk about anymore.”

The funeral service culminated eight days of public mourning for the 39th president before his burial late Thursday in his beloved hometown of Plains, Georgia.

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