LISTEN: Plains welcomes 100 new citizens on Carter's 100th birthday
Carter's hometown honors former president and his legacy
When one thinks of Georgia landmarks, places like Stone Mountain, historic Downtown Savannah and the birth home of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. are immediately top of mind.
But for 100 years and counting, a small southwest Georgia community has proudly laid claim to a one-time White House occupant.
America knows James Earl Carter, Jr. as the 39th President of the United States. But the mayor of Plains says that the former President is just a neighbor who has touched everyone’s life in this close-knit community.
“President Carter could have gone anywhere in the world he wanted to go. He could have bought any house he wanted to buy, but he came right back to Plains,” said Mayor Joseph Reckor. “Right back to the first and only house that he and Ms. Rosalynn ever bought and lived in.”
“He’s a president, but he’s our neighbor.”
He’s also a hero to some, including one 14-year-old who was dressed from head to toe in American flag-colored regalia. The young man says he loves learning about America’s presidents and that Carter is his favorite former President. So of course he and his family traveled all the way from Kentucky to attend the festivities in Plains.
“I think he’s the most caring President we’ve had. He cares about the American people. He builds houses for them, he’s a Sunday school teacher, a wonderful religious man — I just love him! And once you know him, you know his heart.”
As Carter quietly celebrated his 100th birthday with close friends and family, his foundation marked the momentous occasion by naturalizing 100 new citizens in his hometown.
Some of the new citizens described becoming emotional as they raised their right hand and swore oath to their new country.
“I actually felt really emotional today,” one said. “I thank my parents for bringing me here to the country and I feel like today marks a very important day in my life.”
“It’s been a long time coming, and to finally sit there in that room was a very emotional moment,” said another new citizen. “Everyone was in a very fantastic mood. It was great!”
There is no right more important to American citizens than casting a ballot. Alexandria, who came to the U.S. from across the pond more than 2 decades ago, is encouraging every voter to participate in this year’s election.
“No matter what side you are on, you need to vote,” she said. “Because everyone needs a true picture of what’s going on.”
Mayor Reckor says that this event only adds to his century-long legacy.
“We want to continue to be a vibrant community and President Carter just adds to that.”
And as for Plains?
“People will always come to visit Plains because they just want to see how a country boy grew up to be President.”
Another momentous article!
Many thanks Niles!