Happy 97 Birthday Jimmy Carter. As a newsman, I recall covering one of his birthdays while he was POTUS in Disney World, Florida.
He explained why he came to Cinderella’s Castle, saying it was an inspiration for his economic advisors. President Jimmy Carter was born on Oct. 1, 1924, in Plains, Ga., and exemplifies a life of service to America. He served in the U.S. Navy, as a Democratic Georgia State Senator and Governor of Georgia, before being elected in 1976 as the U.S. President.
His real name is James Earl Carter Jr. He is an American philanthropist, author, and former politician who served as the 39th president of the United States from 1977 to 1981. A member of the Democratic Party, he previously served as the 76th governor of Georgia from 1971 to 1975 and as a Georgia State senator from 1963 to 1967
The former President Carter continued the family business of peanut farming. After his presidential service, he remained active in world affairs with his efforts mediating peace and promoting human rights, and was honored in 2002 with the Noble Peace Prize.
For several decades he was an active participant in Habitat for Humanity and since 1981, he has taught a Sunday School class at Maranatha Baptist Church in his hometown of Plains. This long-time Democrat is the oldest living American POTUS. I still have his autographed photo and a yet to be opened can of Billy Beer. The alcoholic beverage drew an enviable amount of national attention when it debuted in November 1977, and Jimmy Carter's supporters and detractors alike rushed out to buy a six-pack of the novelty cans. ... Some said - It's the best beer I've ever tasted. And so it goes.
Meanwhile, back in Florida, where there is little to celebrate these COVID days, the USA had never seen anything like it https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OhqPrEO9xFU But back On October 1, 1971, the imaginary world of Walt Disney came alive with the opening of Disney World Resort in Orlando. Mickey Mouse led the first lucky visitors into the Magic Kingdom while beloved characters danced and sang. Setting the stage for what would become the East Coast version of Disneyland.
Maestro Arthur Fiedler conducted the 60-nation World Symphony Orchestra, Hollywood star Bob Hope led the dedication of the Contemporary Resort, and "Music Man" Meredith Willson conducted the grand opening parade’s marching band. Today the resort celebrates its 50th anniversary with the official debut of two new fireworks shows. This special celebration will continue for the next year and a half.
