Former President Jimmy Carter, the nation's 39th chief executive, returned to Washington this week in a final procession that fused his unique connection to the city with the enduring pageantry of American military honors. From his early White House days — when he balked at the presidency's ceremonial norms — to his final trip to the capital — where he received the full pageantry of a state funeral — Carter's journey underscores how deeply he shaped, and was shaped by, the city he once sought to reform.
Carter's final Washington homecoming began on Tuesday in Georgia, where crowds gathered to pay respects during a departure ceremony at the Carter Presidential Center in Atlanta. Pallbearers from the Joint Armed Forces Body Bearer team escorted Carter's remains, while the 282nd Army Band — performing in support of Joint Task Force-National Capital Region — played "Amazing Grace" and "Blessed Assurance."
The motorcade delivered Carter's body to Dobbins Air Reserve Base, where four Ruffles and Flourishes, a rendition of "Hail to the Chief," and a 21-gun salute honored the former president. Moments later, pallbearers carried Carter's casket to the aircraft loader as the U.S. Army's Maneuver Center of Excellence Band played "Nearer My God, to Thee."
Commander of JTF-NCR, Maj. Gen. Trevor J. Bredenkamp — charged with escorting the former president's family throughout the proceedings — reflected on the honor he and the nearly 4,000 service members who supported the task force share.
"State funerals demand synchronization across dozens of subordinate units and adjacent commands," said Bredenkamp. "Each ceremonial component—from planning to completion, whether in Georgia or the capital—is meticulously planned and I couldn't be prouder of each service member who contributed to honoring the late commander-in-chief."
"We're a joint force," said Navy Rear Adm. David J. Faehnle, whose responsibilities as JTF-NCR's Deputy Commander include coordinating task force support during the six-day ceremony.
"At a task force, we're used to operating together, whether it's Navy, Army, Marines, Air Force, Coast Guard or Space Force," he said. "It really comes down to good communication, clarity on the sequence of events, and robust rehearsals."
On arrival to Joint Base Andrews, the Joint Force Honor Cordon greeted the late President with full military honors while the U.S. Air Force Band performed "Abide with Me."
During a special ceremony at the U.S. Navy Memorial, Carter's casket transferred from hearse to caisson. The event featured a formation of Midshipmen, the U.S. Navy Band, Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro, and Naval Academy Superintendent Vice Adm. Yvette M. Davids, recalling Carter's own arrival at Annapolis in 1943 and paying homage to the former President's Naval career.
Immediately following the casket transfer, a funeral procession unfolded along Pennsylvania and Constitution Avenues, retracing the route that Carter walked after taking his inaugural oath in 1977. Representatives from The Old Guard stood at attention while a horse-drawn caisson progressed at a measured pace.
At the Capitol Plaza, The U.S. Army Band greeted the late president with another rendition of "Hail to the Chief," and performed "God of Our Fathers" and "O God Our Help in Ages Past." Here, Carter's casket was carried up the East Steps, accompanied by the Special Honor Guard, family members, and surviving cabinet officials from his administration.
In the Rotunda, members of Congress, the Vice President, Supreme Court justices and invited guests gathered for a service. The Naval Academy Glee Club sang "My Country, Tis of Thee" and "Eternal Father, Strong to Save," before the Senate and House chaplains delivered an invocation and benediction. House Speaker Mike Johnson, Senate Majority Leader John Thune and Vice President Kamala Harris offered eulogies and placed wreaths near the casket, acknowledging Carter's achievements — including his focus on human rights, conservation efforts and community-driven values.
As the ceremony concluded, the late president's casket was set on the Lincoln Catafalque at the Rotunda's center. There, Carter's body laid in state through Wednesday evening, allowing mourners from the public to pay their respects.
In the wake of his presidency, he recalled the White House as simultaneously hospitable and intimidating — a place of daily routine for presidents but an almost sacred museum of the nation's story. That sense of gravitas anchored Carter's term. Throughout his presidency, Carter believed the White House — with all its storied artifacts — was just on loan to him for a brief chapter.
The district had rarely seen a president like Jimmy Carter when he first arrived in 1977. Unlike many of his political colleagues, Carter grew up in a modest home, faced the hardships of the Great Depression and worked alongside Black sharecroppers on his family's peanut farm.
That upbringing led him to reject excesses. Known for his cost-saving measures, Carter broke from the norms set by his predecessors. He sold the presidential yacht, enrolled his daughter in the district's public school system, and chose simple southern meals over Washington's upscale offerings.
Despite the initial culture shock of life in the capital, Carter pressed on, steadfast in his desire to lead with principle. His years in Washington produced lasting accomplishments: he signed the Camp David Accords and reimagined the role of the presidency in forging honest relationships with both Congress and the American people.
This week, that chapter ended, and with JTF-NCR's support, Washington poured forth every means of respect and gratitude. Elite service members assigned to the Joint Ceremonial Honor Guard stood watch over the president through Wednesday night, while lines of citizens snaked along barricades, braving freezing temperatures to pay their respects.
Though the pageantry on display during Carter's funeral may appear at odds with the late president's understated approach to the office, Faehnle explained how the proceedings were tailored to meet the former commander-in-chief's intent.
"While state funerals seem to emphasize pomp and formality, President Carter viewed his ceremony as an opportunity to embrace the American people," Faehnle said. "What you saw during the procession and motorcade, and at the Navy Memorial and Rotunda, was a connection between a bereaved public and a president who prioritized common citizens."
As he monitored the funeral from the task force's joint operations center, Faehnle offered his final thoughts on the military's place in the ceremony.
"For JTF-NCR, this week is about precision and ceremonial excellence," he said. "It not only represents our respect for civilian leadership but also shows that no matter the mission — be it honoring a fallen head of state or protecting our Nation around the globe — each service stands ready to execute with excellence."