Jimmy Carter Celebrates a Milestone 100th Birthday
Knoxville, Tenn — Today marks a remarkable day in history as former President Jimmy Carter turns 100 years old. This is a milestone that no other U.S. president has ever achieved, and people all over the world are joining in to celebrate the incredible life and legacy of this gentleman from Georgia.
Among the many well-wishers is a Knoxville man named Perry Boyd, who has a unique connection to Carter. Boyd served as a security detail member for Air Force One during Carter’s time in office from 1977 to 1981. Reflecting on his experiences, Boyd took a moment to share his heartfelt message with the former president: “You’ve lived a great life, sir, and I appreciate having worked with you and known you and helped to protect you.”
A Bond Forged in Service
Boyd, now a retired master sergeant in the U.S. Air Force, traveled extensively with Carter on official trips that took him to places like Poland, Iran, India, and South America.
In addition to international travels, he accompanied Carter and his wife, Rosalynn, on many stateside visits. It was during these trips that Boyd experienced first-hand the warmth and dedication of the Carter family. Although Boyd was responsible for the president’s security, he quickly learned that Carter wasn’t one to shy away from connecting with the public.
“He could make you nervous,” Boyd admitted, recounting moments when Carter would hop off the airplane to shake hands with excited crowds waiting at the rope or fence line. One time, first lady Rosalynn Carter even grabbed Boyd’s hand, asking him to keep her husband from heading out to greet the crowd!
A Leader with Integrity
Reflecting on Jimmy Carter’s presidency, Boyd described him as a “man of integrity” who deeply valued peace and dedicated himself to pursuing it during his time in office. A quality that particularly stood out to Boyd was how Carter honored America’s armed forces. “In my view, he did everything within his power to keep from having any of us military people die within his watch, and being a military person, I really admired that,” Boyd shared.
Carter’s Connection to Knoxville
During his presidency and even after leaving the White House, Carter maintained a strong connection to East Tennessee. He visited the region several times, including a notable trip to Knoxville and Oak Ridge science facilities in 1978, as well as a return visit in 1982 for the World’s Fair. Although Carter had left office by January 1981, he was invited back to help celebrate the World’s Fair, which had been in the plans during his presidency.
A Quiet Celebration in Plains, Georgia
As he celebrates this centennial milestone, Carter is expected to spend the day quietly with his family in his hometown of Plains, Georgia. Reflecting on his life, one can’t help but admire the values he has embodied throughout his years—integrity, service, and a commitment to peace.
So, let’s raise a glass and toast not only to a former president but to a remarkable man who has dedicated his life to making a difference in the world. Happy 100th Birthday, Jimmy Carter!
