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.”
