Mondale and Ford’s eulogies written for Carter read by sons at funeral
(FOX 9) - Former President Jimmy Carter’s state funeral was a somber time of remembrance, but also a celebration of a century of life, well-lived.
Funeral held for Jimmy Carter
Carter memorialized:
Former President Jimmy Carter’s state funeral was held on Thursday at the Washington National Cathedral.
Several speakers memorialized the 39th President who died in Dec. 2024 at age 100., including President Joe Biden.
Minnesota ties remembered as Carter’s VP’s words read during service
Eulogy deliver by son:
The words of Carter’s Vice President, Minnesotan Walter Mondale, were read by his son, Ted Mondale. Walter Mondale passed away in 2021.
"My father wrote this in 2015. He edited it a couple of times since then, but here we go," said Ted. "I was surprised when then-candidate Gov. Carter asked me to join him as his running mate in 1976. He amazed me then as he has every year since."
In the eulogy he left, he spoke about the Carter he knew as a selfless man of integrity and the how the two were bonded by the same faith.
"While we had only four years in the White House, he achieved so much in that time. It stood as a marker for Americans dedicated to justice and decency," said Ted. "I was also a small-town kid who grew up in a Methodist church where my dad was the preacher, and our faith was core to me as Carter's faith was core to him."
Ford's son speaks:
Former President Gerald Ford had also left a eulogy before he passed away in 2006. His son, Steve Ford, delivered the remarks.
He described a friendship that transcended politics.
"It was because of our shared values that Jimmy and I respected each other as adversaries, even before we cherished one another as dear friends," said Steve.
And his written words remembered a man whose legacy remains timeless.
"A man whose life was lived to the fullest, with a faith demonstrated in countless good works, with a mission richly fulfilled, and a soul rewarded with everlasting life," said Steve.
Final resting place::
Carter will be laid to rest in his hometown of Plains, Georgia.