The 39th U.S. president died on Dec. 29 at the age of 100
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American flags will fly at half-staff at all U.S. federal buildings in honor of Jimmy Carter during Donald Trump’s presidential inauguration in January.
The 39th U.S. president and Nobel Peace Prize winner died on Sunday, Dec. 29, at the age of 100 at home in Plains, Ga.
According to the flag code, the U.S. flag should be flown at half-mast for the next 30 days at “all federal buildings, grounds, and naval vessels” across the country and its territories in Carter’s memory. The tradition is done after the death of the president or a former president, per the United States Department of Veteran Affairs.
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In relation to Carter’s death, the flags are expected to be at half-staff until Jan. 28, 2025.
Notably, Trump is set to take office on Jan. 20, which is also Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Therefore, a flag should fly at half-staff during his inauguration and for the subsequent week.
A flag flying at half-mast signifies a period of mourning for the country.
After Carter died, Trump released a statement to honor him.
“The challenges Jimmy faced as President came at a pivotal time for our country and he did everything in his power to improve the lives of all Americans. For that, we all owe him a debt of gratitude.” Trump said. “Melania and I are thinking warmly of the Carter Family and their loved ones during this difficult time. We urge everyone to keep them in their hearts and prayers.”Carter, who had entered hospice care in February 2023, was unable to see outside visitors, though he made an appearance at Rosalynn’s star-studded tribute service in Atlanta in November 2023. One day later, he attended her private funeral service.
Carter also was able to fulfill a final wish this November, casting a vote for Kamala Harris in the 2024 presidential election.
The couple’s gravestones will be by a willow tree at the edge of a pond that Jimmy helped dig. The Carters deeded the property to the National Park Service, which will turn the grounds into a museum.
