The United States Honors Former President Jimmy Carter with National Day of Mourning on January 9, 2024
The United States will honor the late former President Jimmy Carter, who passed away at the age of 100 on December 29, 2023, with a National Day of Mourning on January 9, 2024. President Joe Biden has issued an executive order designating this day of remembrance, coinciding with Carter’s official state funeral at the Washington National Cathedral. The funeral service will include remarks from President Biden, who is expected to deliver the eulogy, and President-elect Donald Trump has confirmed his attendance at the ceremony.
In accordance with the executive order, flags will be flown at half-staff for 30 days to pay tribute to Carter’s legacy and his contributions to the nation. However, while many services and businesses will operate normally, it's advisable to check local store hours as adjustments may occur due to the national mourning period.
The last national day of mourning occurred in December 2018 following the death of former President George H.W. Bush, marking a rare occasion for the nation to pause and reflect on the life of a former leader.
What Will Be Closed on January 9, 2024
Stock Market:
The Nasdaq will close all equities and options markets, and a moment of silence will be held at 9:20 a.m. EST to honor Carter’s memory. The bond market will close early at 2 p.m. EST, as per a recommendation from the Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association. The New York Stock Exchange will also be closed for trading, with the U.S. flag at the exchange displayed at half-staff.
Mail Services:
In alignment with the National Day of Mourning, the U.S. Postal Service will halt regular operations, as confirmed by the National Postal Mail Handlers Union. However, some limited package deliveries may still take place.
Supreme Court:
On January 9, the U.S. Supreme Court building will be closed, as ordered by Chief Justice John Roberts. Although the court is not scheduled for any hearings on that day, it will prepare for the upcoming January 19 deadline for TikTok to separate from its Chinese parent company, a matter currently being contested in the Supreme Court.
Government Offices:
Federal departments and agencies will be closed for the National Day of Mourning. The essential personnel, particularly those related to national defense and security, will remain on duty.
This day will serve as a moment for the nation to reflect on the life and achievements of President Jimmy Carter, a leader who dedicated much of his post-presidential life to humanitarian work and global peace initiatives. While some businesses and services will remain open, the closures on January 9, 2024, are a part of the nation’s collective effort to honor his memory.
The National Day of Mourning
The National Day of Mourning on January 9, 2024, was declared by President Joe Biden to honor the late former President Jimmy Carter, who passed away at the age of 100 on December 29, 2023. The day was marked by an official state funeral for Carter, which took place at the Washington National Cathedral. This day of mourning is a tribute to Carter’s legacy and his significant contributions to the United States and the world.
President Biden, in his executive order, designated January 9, 2024, as a day of remembrance for Carter. It coincided with the state funeral, where President Biden was expected to deliver the eulogy. The funeral also saw the attendance of President-elect Donald Trump and other dignitaries.
As part of the mourning, flags across the United States were flown at half-staff for 30 days in honor of Carter’s passing. While this was not a federal holiday, certain services, businesses, and institutions observed the closure or limited operations.
The stock markets, including the Nasdaq and New York Stock Exchange, were closed for the day. A moment of silence was observed at 9:20 a.m. EST on the Nasdaq, and the bond market closed early at 2 p.m. EST.
The U.S. Postal Service halted regular operations on January 9, 2024, with limited package deliveries available. The U.S. Supreme Court building was also closed, and federal government offices were closed, although essential personnel related to defense and security remained on duty.
This National Day of Mourning was part of the United States' collective effort to honor the life and legacy of Jimmy Carter, reflecting on his leadership, humanitarian work, and commitment to global peace.
