Alright, ladies and gents, buckle up because we’re about to dive into the epic saga of the one and only President Jimmy Carter as he hits the big 1-0-0! Yes, you heard it right – a century of living, breathing, and making history. For those who think they can’t even survive one Monday, brace yourselves; Jimmy’s got 100 years under his belt!
Let’s take a stroll back in time. Imagine 1924 – Calvin Coolidge was chillin’ in the White House, women were just starting to vote, the Ford Model T was the hot ride, and a loaf of bread set you back a whopping 9 cents. Oh, and televisions? Ha, might as well have been talking about teleportation! Yet, in this era of black-and-white simplicity, a future legend named Jimmy Carter was born.
Now, most of us would be thrilled to figure out email by the time we hit a century. But not Jimmy. Born on a farm near Plains, Georgia, he didn’t just live through history – he shaped it. Fast forward a few decades, and he’s not just the governor of Georgia but the 39th President of the United States from 1977-1981. And oh, his post-presidency? Filled with Nobel Peace Prize-winning diplomacy and hammer-swinging Habitat for Humanity projects. Talk about a retirement plan!
Feeling the weight of history yet? Let’s keep going! Carter’s health may have taken a toll, especially after losing his beloved wife, Rosalynn, but that hasn’t dampened the celebrations marking this milestone. The Jimmy Carter National Historical Park is buzzing with activities. We’re talking concerts, tributes, and even F18 flyovers to honor his military service. GPB is airing ‘Jimmy Carter 100: A Celebration in Song,’ featuring Chuck Leavell, BeBe Winans, and The B-52’s. Grab that remote – it’s available on demand at gpb.org/jimmycarter100.
As we revel in these festivities, let’s honor Carter with a journey through his life’s key moments.
Walk Down Memory Lane
Back in the 1920s, Carter’s adventures started in rural Georgia. Fast forward to the mid-1940s, and you’d find Ensign Carter aboard the USS Wyoming, right after graduating from the U.S. Naval Academy. Yep, our centenarian spent time in the Navy till 1953.
And then there’s Rosalynn – the love of his life. Seen here in 1976, these two were the epitome of a power couple. “The best thing I ever did was marrying Rosa,” Carter once said. “That’s the pinnacle of my life.” Ain’t that the dream?
Remember his inauguration day? Probably not, but let’s reminisce – here’s Jimmy, Rosalynn, and their daughter Amy, just three peas in a history-making pod back on January 20, 1977.
Then there’s the Habitat for Humanity phase. If you thought this was just a publicity stunt, think again. Carter and Rosalynn were genuinely committed – hard hats, nails, and all. According to Chris Matthews (yes, THAT Chris Matthews), “Rosalynn had her nail apron on, and she carried two-by-fours around.” Real talk, folks.
And ever the humble soul, here’s Carter in 2019, speaking to his hometown congregation before teaching Sunday school. Yes, even at 95, he was still dropping pearls of wisdom!
So there you have it – 100 years of Jimmy Carter, filled with more life than any book could ever capture. Let’s raise a toast to the man, the myth, the legend, and don’t forget to tune into all the tributes, flyovers, and symphonies celebrating this monumental milestone.
As for my two cents? Well, hitting 100 might seem daunting, but if Jimmy can do it with such style, grace, and wit, then there’s hope for all of us. Happy Birthday, President Carter. Here’s to many more stories and hopefully another century of awesomeness!
