National Day of Mourning: Here’s What to Know

Although it isn’t quite the same as a federal holiday, many government agencies will shut down, and some services will be unavailable.

The flag-draped casket of former President Jimmy Carter is carried by a joint services military honor guard on its way to the U.S Capitol, at Joint Base Andrews, Md., on Jan. 7, 2025. York Du/The Epoch Times

Jimmy Carter, the 39th president of the United States, died on Dec. 29 at the age of 100. To honor the former chief executive, President Joe Biden has declared a National Day of Mourning on Jan. 9.

Carter’s funeral will be held that day at Washington National Cathedral in the nation’s capital. Biden will deliver the eulogy.

What Is a Day of Mourning?

A Day of Mourning is not new; its observance, accompanied by a government shutdown, followed the assassination of President Abraham Lincoln in June 1865.