PHOTOS: Former US President Carter Lies In State After Somber Washington Procession

Washington DC, The nation's capital came to a standstill on Tuesday as former US President Jimmy Carter was honored with a grand military ceremony, marking the beginning of his lying in state in the US Capitol Rotunda. The procession, which was attended by hundreds of US service members, was a tribute to Carter's military service and a celebration of his life and legacy.

The flag-draped casket carrying Carter's body was transferred to the Capitol in a solemn ceremony, accompanied by a military escort and a 21-gun salute. The procession made its way down Pennsylvania Avenue, passing by iconic landmarks such as the White House and the Washington Monument, before arriving at the Capitol.

A short service was held in the Capitol Rotunda, attended by Carter's family, members of Congress, and dignitaries such as Chief Justice John Roberts and Vice President Kamala Harris. The service was a poignant tribute to Carter's life and legacy, with eulogies and prayers offered by leaders from both parties.

Carter, who served as the 39th President of the United States from 1977 to 1981, is the 13th former US president to lie in state in the Capitol. His body will remain in the Rotunda until Thursday, when a national funeral service will be held at the National Cathedral.

President Joe Biden, who will deliver the eulogy at the funeral service, praised Carter as a "true statesman" and a "champion of human rights." "Jimmy Carter was a man of great integrity, compassion, and wisdom," Biden said in a statement. "He dedicated his life to public service and left an indelible mark on our nation and the world."

The lying in state ceremony is a rare honor, reserved for presidents, military leaders, and other notable figures who have made significant contributions to the nation. It is a time for the public to pay their respects and reflect on the life and legacy of the deceased.

Carter's legacy is one of peace, justice, and human rights. He was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002 for his decades of work promoting peace and human rights around the world. He also founded the Carter Center, a non-profit organization that works to advance human rights and democracy globally.

As the nation mourns the loss of this remarkable leader, Americans are coming together to celebrate his life and legacy. The lying in state ceremony is a fitting tribute to a man who dedicated his life to public service and left an indelible mark on the nation.

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