Knoxville Joins in Celebrating Jimmy Carter’s Historic 100th Birthday

Knoxville, Tennessee Celebrates Former President Jimmy Carter’s 100th Birthday

In Knoxville, Tennessee, there’s a remarkable buzz in the air as folks are celebrating a milestone that has never been reached before in American history: the 100th birthday of former President Jimmy Carter. Yes, that’s right! Today, we honor a man who has served his country both in and out of the White House, and his journey is as inspiring as his compassion for others.

A Knoxville Connection

Among the many people sending their warm wishes to Carter is a familiar face from our city, Perry Boyd. He’s not just any resident; he played a significant role in keeping Carter safe while he was president, serving as part of the Air Force One security detail from 1977 to 1981. Boyd, who is a retired master sergeant in the U.S. Air Force, labeled Carter as a “man of integrity” during a recent interview, and emphasized how much he respected the ways Carter tried to ensure peace while in office.

Reflecting on his time with Carter, Boyd expressed heartfelt gratitude, saying, “You’ve lived a great life, sir, and I appreciate having worked with you and known you and helped to protect you.” Can you imagine interacting with a sitting president? For Boyd, it wasn’t just a job; it was an honorable calling. He traveled on official trips to places like Poland, Iran, India, and various countries in South America, along with many domestic travels across the United States with both Carter and his wife, Rosalynn.

President Carter’s Character Shines

When reminiscing about President Carter, Boyd painted a vivid picture of a leader who valued human life. “In my view he did everything within his power to keep from having any of us military people die within his watch,” Boyd shared. As a military man himself, he deeply admired Carter’s commitment to safeguarding not just Americans, but peace worldwide.

What’s even more interesting is that even after Carter’s presidency, Boyd continued to serve in similar roles, providing security for President Reagan on Air Force One. Yet, no matter who he was serving, he holds those memories of working alongside Carter dear to his heart.

Memorable Visits to Knoxville

During his presidency, Carter made several stops in East Tennessee, including visits to Knoxville and the Oak Ridge science facilities in 1978, and then the exciting return in 1982 for the World’s Fair. What a special time for Knoxville! His presence was not only a sign of reverence for the events that were taking place but also a celebration of his dedication to science and technology.

Boyd recalls how President Carter would often head off from Air Force One to greet enthusiastic crowds waiting for a handshake. “It could make you nervous sometimes,” Boyd joked. One time, he even remembered the first lady holding onto Carter’s hand, urging him to come back and not venture out into the crowd. Clearly, the camaraderie between the couple was as warm as their hearts.

A Quiet Celebration in Plains

As for the centennial celebration, it was predicted that Carter would commemorate this beautiful milestone quietly with his family in his hometown of Plains, Georgia. After a lifetime spent giving back and serving others, it’s a fitting tribute for a man who has embraced humility and grace throughout his storied life.

As we raise a toast to 100 years of Jimmy Carter today, let’s remember the impact one person can make on the world. Cheers to you, Mr. President!