October 1st, 2024 marked former President, Jimmy Carter’s 100th birthday! Not only is reaching the age of 100 already astonishing, but he is also the very first U.S. President to do so. This makes him the oldest President to live in history! Despite him being elected into office back in 1977, Carter is still very much active over 40 years since then. Mr. Carter has gained the reputation for being a strong advocate of human rights and democracy. Let’s go into some history on what our 39th President has been doing after his presidency to celebrate his 100th Birthday!
Carter’s Presidency
Jimmy Carter was President from 1977 to 1981. Before becoming President, Mr. Carter was the Governor of Georgia from 1971 to 1975. After a long 2 years of campaigning for the Democrat party, Carter won in the 1976 election, beating then President Gerald Ford in a close contest. The first Southerner elected to the White House since the Civil War. Although not as much appreciated back then, today Carter’s presidency has improved in standing amongst historians. He was known for being ahead of his time, especially when it came to environmental issues. The President had installed solar panels in the White House and had talks about climate change.
During his time in office, Mr. Carter wanted to tone down imperial powers of the President. This was not long after the very controversal Nixon years. The new President wanted to be seen as “common man” and closer to the American people. He always kept things more informal, most notable during his inauguration. Instead of taking a fancy car, he insisted to walk on foot towards the White House with his family.
Image Credit: Whitehouse.gov
Carter’s Post-Presidency
President Carter was unable to secure a second term. Republican Ronald Reagan defeated him in a electoral landslide in 1980. The country seem to in more conservative mood. Right after his presidency, the Carter Center was founded in 1982 by both the former President and his wife Rosalynn Carter. In partnership with Emory University, according to their website, their mission is to “The Center believes that people can improve their own lives when provided with the necessary skills, knowledge, and access to resources.” This includes research in human rights and health programs. Some of their major accomplishments include peace advancements in several countries, building up stronger democracies in 40 countries, creating village-based health care systems in Africa, and much more! The nongovernmental organizations dedicates itself on volunteers and service projects. It’s motto is “Waging Peace. Fighting Disease. Building Hope.”
Starting in 1984, both Mr. Carter and his wife worked closely with the nonprofit organization Habitat for Humanity. They focus on fundraising and construction of affordable houses. With help from Carter, they were able to aquire 106,100 volunteers, reach 14 countries, and build 4,417 homes. The goal is to create homes for those who can’t afford proper housing. Even in 2024, the former President still has close connections to the organization.
Image Credit: Habitat.org
Jimmy Carter’s Presidential Library opened on October 1st, 1986 in Alanta, Georgia. The library contains thousands of documents and materials all involving Jimmy Carter. The museum holds records all about Jimmy Carter and his family. The place is a historian’s dream, and is the place to go for scholars interested in the Carter Presidency.
In 2002, he was awarded the prestigious Nobel Peace Prize for his efforts and dedication towards human rights and social development. The Nobel Committee stated that his work as President helping to bring about the successful peace agreement between Egypt and Israel during his presidency would have been enough to garner the award. Mr. Carter is only one out of four other U.S. Presidents to gain to honor, the others being Theodore Roosevelt, Woodrow Wilson, and Barack Obama.
President Carter is often called the best former President. In interviews, its not a title he relishes too much since it seems to take away from his admistration’s accomplishments. But it is an accurate assessment even as his legacy as President is seen in a better light than when he left office.
Just last November, 2023, President Carter’s wife of 77 years passed away. Rosalynn Carter would be remembered for her dedication to metal health as well as her close relationship to her husband. May she rest in peace.
Image Credit: The White House
Thank You Mr. President
In light of Jimmy Carter’s 100th birthday, former Presidents Bill Clinton, George W. Bush, and Barack Obama, as well as current President Joe Biden all wished him happy birthday in a video dedicated to him. Mr. Carter himself made a rare appearence outside with his family together. Being a Democrat, former President Carter voted for Kamala Harris in the 2024 election. It’s over a month later since his birthday, and the President is still going strong. Happy Birthday Mr. President, and thank you.
Sources:
Jimmy Carter: The 39th President
Jimmy Carter: Domestic Affairs
Inauguration at the U.S. Capitol
The 1977 White House climate memo that should have changed the world
Jimmy Carter votes for Kamala Harris in 2024 election after milestone 100th birthday
Videos:
CBS News – Former President Jimmy Carter celebrates 100th birthday
The Carter Center – U.S. Presidents Wish President Jimmy Carter a Happy 100th Birthday!
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