Jimmy Carter Turns 100

For the last few weeks, suspense has surrounded Jimmy Carter. Would he make it to his birthday? 

Jimmy Carter was the 39th Democratic president of the United States, as of today, October 1st, Carter goes down in history as the oldest living president and the only president to make it over 100. Let’s look at additional facts about the 39th president. 

Carter was born in Georgia and lived with his family. His father, James Earl Carter, Sr., was a businessman and a farmer; his mother, Lillian Gordy Carter, worked hard as a registered nurse. He attended public school and went to the school of  Georgia Southwestern College and he also attended Georgia Institute of Technology. He later received his B.S. (Bachelor of Science) degree from the United States Naval Academy within the year of 1946.

In December 1974 he announced his presidential candidacy for the United States. He achieved his party’s nomination on the very first ballot in 1976 at the  Democratic National Convention and he was elected the president on November 2nd of the same year.  

Carter married his wife, Rosalynn Smith, on July 7, 1946. They were married for 77 years until her death in 2023. Together, they were the most visible participants with Habitat for Humanity. Starting in 1984, Carter brought a group of volunteers to New York, with them he worked diligently to help 19 families in need of housing. Carter worked for many years building many homes. 

Carter worked hard for human rights in the Middle East, and through the Camp David agreement of 1978, he helped by aiding Egypt and Israel seek peace. He later succeeded and was able to obtain ratification of the treaties of the Panama Canal. On his second day in office, Carter pardoned all the Vietnam War draft evaders, and he created the National Energy Policy.

After Carter’s time in the White House, he decided to remain within the social and political projects. He established the foundation of the Carter Center. Carter went on to become a writer and published several books and he was able to build his presidential library.

In 2002, Carter was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize, he was awarded this honor due to his extraordinary efforts to find solutions that were surrounded by peace for international conflicts. He always strived to guarantee fundamental human rights. Carter was also awarded the Silver Buffalo Award Boy Scouts of America in the year of 1978. Carter is a man of high persistence, and a ‘’can do attitude’’ He used his presidency to try to help further the U.S. and to help the people.

Happy Birthday Jimmy Carter! May you have many more.