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Biden has announced plans for a state funeral in Washington to honor former President Jimmy Carter on January 9, which he has also designated as a National Day of Mourning.

Carter, who held the distinction of being the longest-living U.S. president, passed away at his residence in Plains, Georgia, at the age of 100.

As part of the mourning observances, the President has directed that flags across the nation be flown at half-staff for a 30-day period beginning Sunday.

Interrupting his family vacation in the U.S. Virgin Islands, Biden delivered heartfelt remarks about his predecessor, whom he regarded both as a mentor and personal friend.

During his approximately ten-minute address, Biden characterized Carter as a distinguished humanitarian and diplomat who embodied core human principles that must be preserved. He shared that he had been in contact with Carter’s children to coordinate the Washington memorial arrangements, describing Carter’s passing as the loss of an “remarkable leader” for both the nation and the world.

Biden emphasized Carter’s straightforward integrity and principles, noting that while some might view these qualities as belonging to a past era, he sees them as timeless virtues. The President drew attention to Carter’s enduring commitment to his faith community, highlighting his continued service as a Sunday school instructor at his local Baptist church in Plains, Georgia.

In his tribute, Biden portrayed Carter as someone who possessed an innate drive to assist others, suggesting it would have been impossible for the former president to ignore anyone in need. The President stressed that Carter’s fundamental human values remain relevant and essential in contemporary times.