Over a week ago the state funeral of former President Jimmy Carter was held at Washington’s National Cathedral In Georgia. It was a poignant tribute to a humble leader who rose from a small Georgia town to the pinnacle of global influence. Carter, a peanut farmer, submariner, nuclear physicist, and Nobel laureate, passed away on December 29, 2024, at the age of 100. The ceremony not only celebrated Carter’s accomplishments, including the Camp David Accords and his advocacy for environmentalism but also provided a stage for the fraternity of former presidents and vice presidents, whose presence underscored the passage of time and the complexity of America’s political legacy.
The event was marked by moments of camaraderie among past and present leaders. In one of the most remarkable instances, former Presidents Barack Obama and Donald Trump were seen in a jovial exchange. The service reflected on Carter’s presidency, his post-White House humanitarian work, and his enduring values of truth, peace, and justice. Reverend Andrew Young, a longtime ally of Carter, delivered a heartfelt scripture reading, capturing the profound impact Carter had on racial equality and global diplomacy.
During the week-long observances for President Carter, the Georgia State Defense Force (GSDF) played a vital role, participating in a variety of events. In collaboration with the Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency and the Carter Center, the GSDF provided operational support throughout the ceremonies. Observances began at the Georgia State Capitol and the Carter Center before culminating in Plains, Georgia, Carter’s hometown, on January 9, 2025.
The GSDF, under the command of Colonel Don Lankford, formed part of the Georgia Department of Defense Task Force alongside the Georgia Army National Guard’s 201st Regional Support Group. Soldiers of the GSDF provided logistical support, saluted the motorcade in Plains, and honored Carter’s legacy as a native Georgian who had served his state as a senator, governor, and ultimately as the 39th President of the United States. Their presence underscored Carter’s deep connections to Georgia and highlighted the state’s commitment to paying tribute to one of its most distinguished sons.
Through its participation, the GSDF exemplified the spirit of service that President Carter championed throughout his life, standing as a testament to the enduring values of duty, honor, and community.
Georgia State Defense Force (GSDF) Soldiers salute the motorcade of Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter, Plains, Ga., Jan. 4, 2025.
The nation’s 39th president, also a former Georgia governor, died Dec. 29, 2024, at the age of 100.
Services spanned several days, including observances at the Georgia State Capitol, the Carter Center, Washington’s National Cathedral, and elsewhere. They concluded on Jan 9, 2025 in Plains, the former president’s hometown.
The GSDF is a component of the Georgia Department of Defense, along with the Georgia Air National Guard and Georgia Army National Guard.
In south Georgia, the GSDF assisted the Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency with operational support for the state funeral of Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter.
The former president died Dec. 29, 2024, at the age of 100. More than a week of observances and ceremonies, including those at Georgia State Capitol, the Carter Center, Washington’s National Cathedral, concluded on Jan. 9, 2025 in Plains, the former president’s hometown.
He was the only U.S. president born in Georgia. He also formerly served as the 76th governor of Georgia (1971-1975) and a Georgia state senator, (1963-1967).
The Nobel Peace Prize laureate was well known for his worldwide humanitarian efforts. In the years following his presidency, he and his wife, Rosalynn (1927-2023), earned the Presidential Medal of Freedom. These were among his many accolades.
The GSDF is a component of the Georgia Department of Defense, along with the Georgia Air National Guard and Georgia Army National Guard.
(Georgia State Defense Force photo by Sgt. Lauren-Boyle-Estheimer)
(Georgia State Defense Force photo by Sgt. Lauren Boyle-Estheimer)
The Georgia State Defense Force (GSDF) was the only state guard in the nation serving during observances held for the passing of Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter, December 2024-January 2025.
GSDF Col. Don Lankford served as commander of the Georgia Department of Defense (GaDoD) Task Force. The GaDoD Task Force consisted of the GSDF and the Georgia Army National Guard 201st Regional Support Group.
The nation’s 39th president, also a former Georgia governor, died Dec. 29, 2024, at the age of 100. He was laid to rest on Jan. 9, 2025 in his hometown of Plains.
The GSDF is a component of the GaDoD, along with the Georgia Air National Guard and Georgia Army National Guard.