Hundreds of mourners from varying political backgrounds gathered on a frigid morning at the Washington National Cathedral to bid farewell to the former U.S. President Jimmy Carter, an occasion highlighting a remarkable life dedicated to public service and human rights. Among those present were all five living current and former U.S. presidents, an unprecedented gathering that underscored Carter's lasting influence and the respect he commanded across divisions.

President Joe Biden delivered a poignant eulogy, reflecting on Carter's character, which he insisted was central to his legacy. Biden praised Carter for his dedication to serving others with dignity and respect, noting his efforts to give hate no safe harbor. Biden's eulogy resonated with observations of Carter as a figure of integrity, invoking a life of purpose and the responsibilities that come with public service.

As the service unfolded, the diverse assembly of past and present leaders provided a landscape rich with historical context. There was a visible display of bipartisanship as moments of reflection took precedence over political divides, a stark contrast to the current polarized political environment. Former Presidents Barack Obama, George W. Bush, Bill Clinton, and Donald Trump sat together, their presence a testament to Carter's unifying legacy.

The funeral, marked by solemn pageantry, was a reminder of Carter's distinct approach to leadership. Unlike the grandeur reserved for most heads of state, the service captured Carter's humility. His years beyond the presidency were marked by significant humanitarian efforts, including his work with Habitat for Humanity.

Carter's return to his hometown of Plains, Georgia, where he was to be interred, was symbolic of his lifelong commitment to his roots. Carter, who grew up in a modest home, embraced this simplicity even after reaching the pinnacle of power. His grandson, Jason Carter, shared heartfelt memories, emphasizing the former president's modesty and his consistent advocacy for peace and compassion, traits that define his enduring legacy.

The service also captured the essence of Carter's deeply held values and his faith, which was a central theme in his public and private life. As friends and family shared anecdotes, key moments of Carter's career were recounted, such as his role in the historic Camp David Accords, which ensured a peace treaty between Egypt and Israel, hailed as one of his administration's most significant accomplishments.

Despite facing political challenges during his presidency, Carter's post-presidential years reshaped public perception of him as an exemplar of how former presidents could contribute to global welfare. Speakers, including Stephen Ford, son of former President Gerald Ford, emphasized Carter's adherence to principles of justice and service, noting his work in advancing human rights and aiding global health initiatives.

Amid the solemnity, the gathering was not without its political undercurrents as Biden's references to the abuse of power were perceived by some commentators as aimed at Donald Trump, who was present at the service. The discourse surrounding Carter's farewell notably blended mentions of his political and humanitarian footprints.

For many, the event marked not just the passing of a humanitarian leader but a reflection on the political evolution of America. Commentators noted this was perhaps a farewell to an era of politics imbued with civility and decorum, traits that Carter embodied throughout and beyond his tenure in office.

As current and former political figures mingled at the Cathedral, tributes continued across different mediums, shedding light on how Carter's leadership reflected a form of political gentility that seems increasingly rare. The service not only highlighted Carter's presidential accomplishments but also honored his lifelong commitment to principles he utilized as a former president, setting a blueprint for those who followed.