National Day of Mourning for Former President Jimmy Carter

Today is a National Day of Mourning for former President Jimmy Carter.

Iowa Senator Chuck Grassley — the only current member of congress who was serving when Jimmy Carter was president — says Carter was a man of many talents.

Grassley delivered a speech in the U.S. Senate today on Wednesday in tribute to Carter.

Grassley praised Carter’s post-presidency work in building homes for the needy.

Grassley, at the age of 43, was seeking reelection as a Republican to a second term in the U.S. House when Carter, a 52-year old Democrat, was seeking the presidency. About 20 years ago, Carter invited Grassley to speak to a Baptist group in Georgia. The two shared a mutual respect for one another over the years – despite their political differences.

Carter died December 29th – nearly three months after turning 100 years old. His funeral is scheduled to begin today at 10 a.m. at the National Cathedral in Washington. Afterwards, the president’s remains and family will board Special Air Mission 39 for his final journey home to Georgia, where he will be laid to rest at the Carter home and garden next to his wife, Rosalynn.

story contribution courtesy of Radio Iowa