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Outgoing U.S. President Joe Biden warned against hatred and the abuse of power during his speech at the memorial service for former President Jimmy Carter in Washington.
The official ceremony was attended by all five living U.S. presidents, including the incoming president, Donald Trump.
In his speech, Biden stated, “We have a duty not to provide a safe haven for hatred and to stand against the greatest sins of all, the abuse of power.”
Carter, who described himself as an outsider even during his tenure as the 39th president of the United States, was honored on Thursday.
The official funeral for the 39th U.S. president was held at the National Cathedral in Washington before his burial in his small hometown in Georgia.
Joshua Carter, the former president’s grandson, shared memories of his grandfather, who regularly taught Sunday school after leaving the White House. Joshua said, “He built homes for those in need, eradicated diseases in forgotten corners of the world, and spread peace wherever he saw an opportunity. He loved people.”
He explained that his grandfather’s commitment stemmed from his Christian faith, as he worshipped “the Prince of Peace.”
Ford, the son of President Gerald Ford, read a tribute from his father, who passed away in 2006:
“In a brief moment, we were rivals, but in the wonderful years that followed, we shared a friendship unlike any two presidents since John Adams and Thomas Jefferson.”
President Carter defeated Gerald Ford in the 1976 election, but they and their wives became close friends, with Carter delivering a eulogy at Ford’s funeral.
Ted Mondale, the son of Carter’s Vice President Walter Mondale, also read a eulogy written by his late father before his death in 2021.
Mondale said, “I will always be proud and grateful for the opportunity to work with you to achieve noble goals. It was and will always remain the most fulfilling experience of my public career.”
A Rare Gathering of Presidents
This occasion brought together the rare presence of multiple presidents in a moment of unity during an era of sharp political division. They met privately before the ceremony began.
When Trump took his seat, he shook hands with Mike Pence in a rare interaction following their fallout over Pence’s refusal to help Trump overturn his electoral defeat to Biden four years ago.
Trump was seated next to former President Barack Obama, and the two exchanged a few minutes of conversation. Vice President Kamala Harris, who lost to Trump in November, later entered but did not interact with him.
According to a CNN report, the official events lasted three days, filled with reflections from political leaders, business figures, and ordinary citizens honoring Carter. He passed away on December 29 at the age of 100, remembered for his humanity and practical ethics, which he used for purposes far beyond the pursuit of political power.
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