January 25, 2003
Americus- Everyone knows him as a leader, President and Nobel Laureate. But now, those closest to him are thanking him for being a good friend, neighbor and man of God.
"We admire him and we love him," says Plains Better Hometown Chairman, Mill Simmons.
The historic Rylander Theater was turned into the stage for the Plains Better Hometown Jimmy Carter Nobel Peace Prize Celebration.
Organizers say this event is just a way they can give back to the President who has given so much to them.
"They could have lived anywhere in the world, but they decided to come back to Plains. We want to let them know how much we appreciate him letting us share their lives," adds Simmons.
Jan Simmons goes to church with the Carter family and says its unusual to find a man that lives by the word of God everyday. Others say it's the simple things like just being a man of his word that make Carter a great man.
Though he's celebrated around the world, President Carter says this event touches him in a way the others can't.
"In March their gonna have a similar event in Atlanta which will be very nice, but it won't have the homey feeling and personal feeling that here at home does," admits President Carter.
That hometown feeling of love and admiration is what the people of Plains and Sumter County hope to give back to him.
President Carter spoke about being thankful to have a celebration in the very same theater where he saw Gone with the Wind. He also mentioned being inspired by Dr. Martin Luther King's message of peace.
Posted at 11: 10 PM by elaine.armstrong@walb.com
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