National Day of Mourning for Jimmy Carter: Federal Closure but Not a Federal Holiday

     President Joe Biden has declared January 9, 2025, as a National Day of Mourning to honor the life and legacy of former President Jimmy Carter, who passed away on December 29, 2024, at the age of 100. While this day will see the closure of many federal offices and services, it is important to note that it is not officially designated as a federal holiday.

President Biden issued an executive order on December 30, 2024, directing the closure of all executive departments and agencies of the Federal Government on January 9, 2025. This closure serves as a mark of respect for the 39th President of the United States, James Earl Carter, Jr.

The National Day of Mourning will affect various government operations and services:

• Federal Government: All executive departments and agencies will be closed, except those essential for national security, defense, or other public needs.
• U.S. Postal Service: Mail delivery and post office operations will be suspended, with only limited package delivery services available.
• Courts and Archives: The United States Supreme Court, federal courts, the Library of Congress, and the National Archives will be closed.
• Stock Markets: The New York Stock Exchange and Nasdaq will close for the day, while bond markets will operate with reduced hours, closing at 2 p.m. ET.
• Schools: Department of Defense Education Activity organizations and schools will not operate.

It's crucial to understand that the National Day of Mourning is not treated as a federal holiday in the traditional sense:

• Businesses and banks are not required to close, as this is not an official federal holiday.
• State and local government offices, as well as private businesses, may choose to remain open or close at their discretion.

For federal employees, this day will be treated similarly to a federal holiday for pay and leave purposes:

• Most excused employees will receive their basic pay as if no executive order had been issued.
• Employees previously scheduled for leave on January 9 will not be charged for that leave.
• Those required to work non-overtime hours may be entitled to holiday premium pay.

     The practice of declaring a National Day of Mourning for former presidents has evolved over time. The current traditions were formalized in 1969 following the death of President Dwight D. Eisenhower. Since then, it has become customary to lower flags to half-staff for 30 days and to close federal offices on the day of the state funeral.

The National Day of Mourning will feature several key events to honor President Carter:

• Morning ceremonies in Washington, D.C., including a departure ceremony at the U.S. Capitol and a National Funeral Service at Washington National Cathedral.
• Afternoon transfer of President Carter's remains to Georgia.
• Final services in Plains, Georgia, including a private funeral service and interment at the Carter residence.

     As the nation prepares to bid farewell to President Carter, Americans are encouraged to gather in their places of worship to pay homage to his memory, reflecting on his lifetime of service and humanitarian efforts that extended well beyond his presidency