L.A. joins National Day of Mourning for Jimmy Carter

Mirroring the federal government, Los Angeles County will observe an official day of mourning Thursday for Jimmy Carter when the nation's 39th president is remembered at a funeral service at the National Cathedral in Washington, D.C.

President Joe Biden, First Lady Jill Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris, Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff, Barack Obama, George W. and Laura Bush, Al Gore, Bill and Hillary Clinton, President-elect Donald Trump and Melania Trump attended the funeral service. 

Carter died Dec. 29 in his hometown of Plains, Georgia, at the age of 100, following nearly two years in hospice care.

After Carter's death, President Biden declared by executive order that Thursday would be a National Day of Mourning for Carter, who lived longer than any other U.S. president. On Tuesday, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors passed a similar motion, calling for Thursday to be declared a local day of mourning.

Biden's executive order called for the closure of all executive departments and agencies of the federal government, with some exceptions for reasons of national security, defense or other public need. The motion approved by the supervisors Tuesday followed suit.

As a result of the motion's passage, all non-emergency and non-essential county offices, agencies and entities determined by the department heads, will be closed Thursday.

Meanwhile, Carson will also observe a day of mourning. Mayor Lula Davis-Holmes on Tuesday declared Thursday a city holiday "to allow residents and city employees the opportunity to reflect on President Carter's impact." City Hall, the Carson Event Center and some park facilities will be closed.

"His unwavering commitment to peace, human rights and public service has left an indelible mark on the world," Davis-Holmes said of Carter. "As we pause to reflect on his legacy, I encourage all of our residents to take a moment to remember his contributions and what they continue to mean for our nation and beyond."

L.A. County Board of Supervisors Chair Kathryn Barger issued a statement Tuesday saying, "President Carter exemplified the highest ideals of leadership, dedicating his life to promoting global peace, uplifting the marginalized, and fostering hope through humanitarian efforts. [Tuesday's] unanimous vote to declare a Day of Mourning demonstrates our shared commitment to paying tribute to a leader who embodied values we hold dear -- compassion and service."

Chair Pro Tem Hilda Solis added, "President Jimmy Carter led our country compassionately and with a kindness that championed human rights and made significant strides in environmental justice and education. His values reflected the very best of humanity.

"May we reflect on his long and fulfilling lifetime and tremendous career in public service with admiration and pride, and as a resounding collective commitment to uplift peace and prosperity for our country," Solis said.

Fellow Supervisor Janice Hahn adjourned Tuesday's board meeting in honor of Carter and recalled his kind interactions with her father, Kenneth Hahn, a supervisor from 1952-92, and herself.

"In 1976, this peanut farmer from Plains, Georgia, was elected president during a time when our country was going through some of its most difficult times," Hahn said. "At his core, Jimmy Carter was a Southern gentleman and a man of extraordinary faith, so he took on those challenges with unbreakable grace."

She also provided a memorial book in the board room for meeting attendees to sign and write messages about the former president that would be sent to The Carter Center in Atlanta.

“My father was a hero, not only to me but to everyone who believes in peace, human rights and unselfish love,” said Chip Carter, the former president’s son. “My brothers, sister and I shared him with the rest of the world through these common beliefs. The world is our family because of the way he brought people together, and we thank you for honoring his memory by continuing to live these shared beliefs.”

Hahn lauded Carter's commitment to social work and public affairs beyond his presidency.

Supervisor Lindsey Horvath said, "As we enter this new year, may we all take lessons from his life, especially service, kindness, compassion and dignity."

Additional reporting by City News Service.