The country is united in grief over the death of former President Jimmy Carter, who died on Sunday night at the remarkable age of 100. President Joe Biden has designated January 9 as a National Day of Mourning, during which US stock markets, including the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) and Nasdaq, will remain closed as a tribute to Carter’s decades of service. Lynn Martin, President of the NYSE, expressed, “We will honor President Carter’s extensive service to our country by pausing our market activities on the National Day of Mourning.” Tal Cohen, President of Nasdaq, shared similar thoughts, stating, “The loss of President Carter profoundly affects us, and we will close our U.S. markets on the National Day of Mourning to celebrate his life and remember his legacy.”
The practice of closing stock exchanges for presidential funerals is a long-standing one that can be traced back to the assassination of Abraham Lincoln in 1865.
Exchanges have also shut down during times of national crises, such as the attacks on September 11, 2001. The family of President Carter has not revealed the specifics surrounding his passing.
The nation reflects on Carter’s significant contributions
In his last months, he received hospice care in Plains, Georgia, his hometown. Memorial events are scheduled to take place in Atlanta and Washington, culminating in a private burial service in Plains. Carter, who previously served as Georgia’s governor, held the presidency from 1977 until 1981.
His remarkable accomplishments include facilitating a crucial peace treaty between Egypt and Israel, which continues to be upheld today. Even with the hurdles encountered by his administration, Carter devoted his life post-presidency to humanitarian initiatives, earning the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002. In a tribute after his passing, Carter’s son Chip remarked, “My father was an icon, not just to me but to everyone who champions peace, human rights, and selfless love.”
In remembrance of President Carter, flags nationwide will be displayed at half-staff for the next month, including during President-elect Trump’s inauguration on January 20.
