Gov. Kay Ivey orders flags lowered in memory of former President Carter

Gov. Kay Ivey has ordered that flags throughout Alabama be flown at half-staff for 30 days in memory of former President Jimmy Carter.

In accordance with the Presidential Proclamation, Ivey issued the memo to honor the service of former President Carter who passed away on Sunday, December 29, 2024, at the age of 100.

She issued this statement:

“A native of Plains, Georgia, approximately 40 miles from the Alabama state line, Jimmy Carter first served his country as a lieutenant in the United States Navy. After his father died, he left military service to return home to take over the family peanut farm.

“In 1962, Carter entered politics running successfully for the Georgia State Senate. In 1970, he won the Georgia Governor’s race. In December 1974, Jimmy Carter jumped into the Democratic primary for President among a field of more than a dozen candidates.

“His long-shot candidacy was not only victorious in the primary but ultimately in the 1976 general election. He served one term in office as President during which time our country faced many challenges from an energy shortage to U.S. diplomats being taken hostage in Iran.

“After leaving the White House in 1981, Carter forged the longest post presidency of any American chief executive. He was well known for his advocacy of international human rights through the Carter Center, and his hands-on assistance to disadvantaged persons through his years of volunteering for Habitat for Humanity.

“Jimmy Carter not only lived the longest of any former U.S. President, but his life also brought greater dignity to the presidency.”

READ: Gov. Kay Ivey order to lower flags in memory of former President Carter