UNITED STATES — As the nation mourns the loss of former President Jimmy Carter, Thursday, Jan. 9, has been proclaimed as a National Day of Mourning, according to the National Park Service (NPS). Carter, the 39th President of the U.S., died in hospice care on Sunday, Dec. 29, at the age of 100.
The NPS wrote on Facebook that national parks and visitor services will generally be open and available on Thursday, but administrative offices will be closed. Visitors should check individual park websites before they visit for the most up-to-date information.
President Carter will be buried in his family plot, located at the Carter home, now part of Jimmy Carter National Historical Park. Some areas of the park will be closed in the days leading up to the burial.
The United States Postal Service (USPS) also declared a national day of observance on Jan. 9, to honor Carter.
According to USPS, the Postal Service will suspend regular mail delivery, retail services and office activity this Thursday. USPS facilities — including headquarters in Washington, DC, and area and district administrative offices — will be closed, except as needed for limited package delivery service.
USPS said online that local managers will prepare for the resumption of regular activities on Friday, Jan. 10.
USPS facilities are required to fly the U.S. flag at half-staff through sunset Wednesday, Jan. 29, to honor Carter. Additionally, Wyoming Governor Mark Gordon announced that U.S. and state of Wyoming flags should be flown at half-staff from now through sunset on Jan. 28, in honor of Carter’s death.
Updates and a full schedule of events celebrating the life of President Carter will be posted at www.nps.gov/jica.
