A Scout troop salutes former President Jimmy Carter's flag-draped casket at his Lying in State Ceremony inside the US Capitol Rotunda in Washington, D.C., on Jan. 8, 2025. (SAMUEL CORUM/AFP via Getty Images)
Georgia native Riley Cagle said he made the trip to Washington, D.C., because Carter was a "dear friend of [her] family" and he wasn't able to attend his funeral in the Peach State.
Former President Jimmy Carter and wife Rosalynn seen in 1983 with Riley Cagle's great-great-grandmother. (Riley Cagle)
Natalie, another visitor from Maryland, said Carter was "the epitome of a faithful and humble servant" and congratulated him on a "job well done."
JIMMY CARTER, 39TH PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES, DEAD AT 100
The respect for Carter transcended political lines as Ted McConnell, an employee of former President Gerald Ford's 1976 campaign, was present at the Capitol on Wednesday.
"As you well know, President Ford and President Carter became compatriots and close friends after the presidency, so I'm supporting both President Ford and President Carter today," said McConnell, who was even wearing a "Jimmy Carter for president" button.
Thousands of people traveled to Washington, D.C., between Tuesday evening and Thursday morning to pay their respects to former President Jimmy Carter while he was lying in state inside the U.S. Capitol Rotunda. (Probal Rashid/LightRocket via Getty Images)
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
Carter's casket will be removed from the Rotunda at 9 a.m. on Thursday to be taken to the Washington National Cathedral ahead of his state funeral at 10 a.m.
His remains will then be flown to Georgia later in the day via Special Air Mission 39 for a private ceremony in his hometown of Plains.
Fox News' Rich Edson and Chad Pergram contributed to this report.
https://www.foxnews.com/politics/americans-flock-capitol-pay-respects-former-president-carter-ahead-funeral-job-well-done