Happy 100th Birthday, Jimmy Carter: Reflecting on a Century of Service and Compassion

Photo byhttps://www.fox5atlanta.com/

Former president and current-day humanitarian Jimmy Carter is celebrating his 100th birthday today. He is the first former President to reach such an age, a significant milestone for anyone. Mr. Carter is currently receiving hospice care in his home in Plains, Georgia. He has stated that he is determined to see the day that voting begins in Georgia for the 2024 presidential election.

Jimmy Carter, our 39th President of the United States and Noble Peace Prize-winning humanitarian, is highly regarded today. He was born James Earl Carter on October 1st, 1924, the son of a peanut farmer and a nurse. He was raised in a farmhouse in Plains, Georgia, which had no indoor plumbing or electricity. Early in his life, he attended the Naval Academy in Maryland, spent years as an officer, and volunteered for submarine duty before being honorably discharged in 1953. In 1962, he began his political career when he was elected as a Georgia State Senator and served two terms. In December of 1974, Carter announced his bid for Presidency; at the time, he was relatively unknown on the national stage but used his novelty to appeal to a country weary from the Vietnam War and the Watergate scandal. He won the Democratic nomination, defeating incumbent President Gerald Ford, and won the White House in 1977.

Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter following their wedding in Plains, Georgia (1946).Photo byjimmycarter.info

His humble beginnings greatly informed his time in office, and he was widely recognized as more of a ‘common man.’ He discontinued limousine service for presidential staff and even ordered the White House to turn down the thermostats. During his Presidency, he presided over the Camp David Accords, which ended years of conflict between Israel and Egypt, made human rights integral to U.S. foreign policy, and took a hard line against the Soviet Union.

The signing of the Israeli-Egyptian peace treaty on March 26, 1979, on the White House lawn.Photo byGetty Images

However, his administration faced numerous setbacks and issues, including high inflation, unemployment, a gasoline shortage, and domestic worries, which all affected his approval ratings during his later years in office. A failed rescue attempt during the Iran Hostage Crisis during his re-election bid further eroded his popularity. Despite these challenges, he continued to serve his country with determination and resilience, a testament to his unwavering commitment to his role as President.

Much of the love and recognition for Former President Carter is due to his extraordinary humanitarian efforts and achievements after his term. The most well-known of his endeavors is the establishment of the Carter Center in 1982, which is guided by a fundamental commitment to human rights and the alleviation of human suffering. The center recently celebrated its 40th anniversary. Its accomplishments are numerous, including the 1990s Peace Initiatives that led to the resumption of dialogue between the United States and North Korea, as well as a Peace agreement between Sudan and Uganada, as the many democratic efforts in China, Indonesia, Liberia, Panama, the DRC among others.

Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter and First Lady Rosalynn Carter visited Nigeria's Nasarawa state in 2007.Photo byEmily Staub, The Carter Center

Other monumental works included being the Independent Observers of numerous peace agreements, the transfer of powers, and even the formation of South Sudan, in addition to multiple health initiatives around the world, including the elimination of River Blindness in Sudan, the transmission of Lymphatic Filariasis in Nigeria, combating tropical diseases in Nigeria and Rosalynn Carter’s years of leadership in mental health efforts. Carter was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002 for his efforts to promote and expand human rights as part of his work with the Carter Center.

“We can choose to alleviate suffering. We can choose to work together for peace. We can make these changes — and we must.” - Jimmy Carter, Nobel Lecture

The Carters (Jimmy and his beloved wife Rosalynn, who passed sadly last year at 96) were also widely recognized and celebrated for their work on behalf of Habitat for Humanity. Their advocacy, fundraising efforts, and volunteer projects turned the organization into a worldwide force for good.

Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter Reflect on 75 Years of Marriage.Photo byhttps://www.nytimes.com/2021/07/04/us/jimmy-rosalynn-carter-anniversary.html

Unfortunately, Mr. Carter, the Southern Gentleman, has dealt with declining health in his later years. In 2015, he was diagnosed with brain cancer, for which he received treatment. He received additional treatments and surgeries over the years, a testament to his personal sacrifices and unwavering dedication to his country.

In 2024, Jason Carter (Jimmy’s grandson) said his grandfather had;

“a legacy of doing the right thing, of honesty, integrity, of searching out and believing you can build human connections, again, across the world, in some of the smallest villages in Mali or wherever in Africa. I think just the power of human connection and the ability to do what's right if you just keep being honest and staying true to what you believe."

Happy Birthday, Jimmy Carter. On behalf of the entire nation and world, we express our gratitude for your years of service and wish you a very happy and healthy 100th Birthday!