Happy Birthday, Mr. President! Here's How to Send Jimmy Carter a Message on His 98th
Another year for the longest-living president!
Former President Jimmy Carter is celebrating his 98th birthday today, Oct. 1, tacking another year onto his record as the longest-living president (George H. W. Bush was the second, living to the age of 94, and when Carter was diagnosed with metastatic melanoma at 90 years old he didn't think he'd live to see 91).
To honor the philanthropist's milestone birthday, The Carter Center has organized a digital bulletin board where anyone can leave well-wishes for the country's 39th president.
People have posted pictures with the former president, reminiscing on his kindness when meeting, recalling turning 18 and voting for him in their first elections, and thanking him for his everlasting humanitarian efforts.
"I met Jimmy Carter when he campaigned for President in Albany, NY. He asked me what I wanted to be when I grew-up and I became tongue-tied. He said, "be the kindest person it's possible to be and then you can be whatever you want when you figure it out." I never forgot him or those words - and when I see the happy, relaxed faces on these kids, I am even more grateful. A great man that touched many. Happy birthday with thanks. Peace to you, President Carter - today and always," one commenter wrote.
"Happy Birthday, President Carter!!! Thank you for your unwavering commitments to humanity and to all life on the planet! Your caring, conscience, and courage are an inspiration! I was born after your time in office, and my dad has always talked excitedly about you being by far his favorite president in history. It is a testament to your compassionate character that I’ve been able to witness you serving and humbly, sincerely caring for others throughout my lifetime and reached the same conclusion. Many, many thanks, best wishes in every way, and please take some time to just enjoy your birthday and have some fun!!! :) Always wishing you peace and all the best," said another.
Carter's grandson, Jason, is now chair of the board of trustees for The Carter Center. He told People that it's "awe-inspiring" to watch his grandfather continue to "live out his values" after all these years. "My earliest memories are from his years in the White House, and I've grown up witnessing and learning from his faith and his belief in equal treatment and respect for all people," he said.
In an interview with Parade nine years ago, when asked how he'd like history to remember him, Carter said, “I’d like to be judged primarily by our work at the Carter Center for the last 32 years. I don’t mean to exclude the White House. But in my more self-satisfied moments, I think about our unwavering promotion of peace and human rights.”
He certainly seems to be well on his way!
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