WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR) - Thousands are enduring the frigid cold for the opportunity to pay their respects to former president Jimmy Carter. The 39th president is lying in state in the United States Capitol until Thursday morning ahead of his state funeral. Whether from near or far, a number of people came to the Capitol to pay their final respects to President Jimmy Carter. For many it was an opportunity to bid farewell to the 39th president, some were even moved to tears. "The legacy of the humanity of President Jimmy Carter, the civility, the commitment to bring people together stands as a bright testimony for a way forward for our country,” said Rev. Patrick Mahoney. Thousands visiting the casket holding the former president say he had an impact on their lives. "It's the first president I really paid attention to politics, so it just means a lot to me,” said Marcus Plescia. Maura Sammon traveled from Philadelphia. She first met President Carter when she was five years old. "All I remember is he picked me up and I just started talking to him because I'm a talker,” said Sammon. Sammon says she devoted her life to living in his footsteps. "I just want to thank him one last time,” Sammon added. Senator Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa.) also took a moment to see Carter and remembers both of their names on the ballot back in 1976. "As the only sitting member of Congress today who served with the Carter presidency, I remember him fondly,” said Grassley. Visitors will have until Thursday morning to visit President Carter's casket before it's taken to Washington National Cathedral for the state funeral.