National Day of Mourning: Here’s What to Know

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

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.

The same observance has been held for most presidents who have died after leaving office over the last 75 years or so. In the wake of President John F. Kennedy’s assassination in 1963, President Lyndon Johnson ordered a day of mourning.

Most recently, a Day of Mourning was held in 2018 to mark the death of former President George H. W. Bush.

As part of a 30-day tribute to Carter that began on the day of his death, flags will fly at half staff until Jan. 28.

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

What’s Closed?

In addition to federal agencies, the Library of Congress will be unavailable. Federal courts, including the Supreme Court, will also take the day off.

Most federal workers will have a paid holiday on Thursday. Still, Biden’s executive order allows some department heads to elect to keep certain offices and employees in action for the sake of “national security, defense, or other public need.”

US Postal Service

The mail will not run—mostly. A statement by the U.S. Postal Service said there will be limited package delivery available that day to avoid disruptions to delivery lines. All retail and post office services will be shuttered.

What’s Open?

National Parks will be open, but their administrative offices will be closed, according to a statement by the National Parks Service. However, the former president will be laid to rest at Carter Home and Garden, located in Jimmy Carter National Historical Park. This means parts of the park bearing his name will be closed to the public leading up to his burial.

All the Smithsonian museums will remain open, as is their custom on federal holidays. Note that the museums will close on Jan. 20 for Inauguration Day.

Banks will remain open on Jan. 9, but the New York Stock Exchange and the NASDAQ will shut down.