PLAINS, Ga. — Jimmy Carter’s long public goodbye began Saturday in south Georgia, where the 39th U.S. president’s life commenced more than 100 years ago. A motorcade with Carter’s flag-draped casket is making its way to his hometown of Plains, past his boyhood home, on its journey to Atlanta.

The procession started at the Phoebe Sumter Medical Center in Americus, where former Secret Service agents who protected the late president serve as pallbearers. A mournful train whistle filled the clear air as the pallbearers turned to face the hearse for a final goodbye, their hands on their hearts.

The Carter family, including the former president’s four children and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren, is accompanying their patriarch as the six-day state funeral begins. The longest-serving president, Carter passed away at his home in Plains on December 29 at the age of 100.

Families lined the procession route in downtown Plains, near the historic train depot where Carter headquartered his presidential campaign. Many carried bouquets of flowers or wore commemorative pins bearing Carter’s photo. “We want to pay our respects,” stated 12-year-old Will Porter Shelbrock, who was born over three decades after Carter left the White House. Shelbrock expressed admiration for Carter’s humanitarian efforts and innovative initiatives, such as installing solar panels on the White House.

Carter and his late wife, Rosalynn, who died in November 2023, were born in Plains and lived most of their lives in and around the town, aside from Jimmy’s Navy career and his terms as Georgia governor and president. The procession will pause in front of Carter’s home on the family farm just outside of Plains, where the National Park Service will ring the old farm bell 39 times in honor of his place as the 39th president.

Following this event, Carter’s remains will proceed to Atlanta for a moment of silence at the Georgia Capitol, proceeding with a ceremony at the Carter Presidential Center. His body will lie in repose there until Tuesday morning, before being transported to Washington, D.C., to lie in state at the U.S. Capitol.

The state funeral will take place Thursday at 10 a.m. at the Washington National Cathedral, followed by a return to Plains for an invitation-only funeral at Maranatha Baptist Church. Carter will be buried near his home, next to his beloved wife, Rosalynn Carter.

This tribute not only marks a significant moment in American history but also serves to celebrate the extraordinary life of a humble man who made lasting contributions to society.