Atlanta Pays Tribute to Jimmy Carter with a Green Celebration
ATLANTA – In a gesture fitting for a president known for his love of nature, Trees Atlanta has announced a special tribute to celebrate former President Jimmy Carter’s 100th birthday. The environmental organization will plant 100 trees at The Carter Center, with a second symbolic location being part of the tribute.
On October 1, President Carter will join the exclusive centennial club. Georgia, however, has been celebrating the beloved humanitarian for weeks. In mid-September, a star-studded musical gala paid tribute to him at the Fox Theater, followed by a lifetime achievement award from the Dayton Literary Peace Prize Foundation in Ohio.
Planting the First Trees
The first tree will be planted at 10 a.m. at the Georgia State Capitol, right next to the statue of Jimmy Carter, to honor his enduring legacy. The second tree planting ceremony will take place at noon at The Carter Center entrance. These two trees will kick off the planting of the other 99 trees around The Carter Center from October 2024 to March 2025. All the trees will be live oaks, the official state tree of Georgia.
The Strong Symbolism of Live Oaks
The live oak is not just Georgia’s state tree but a symbol of strength and resilience. Historically, this strong hardwood was used for shipbuilding, representing President Carter’s service in the U.S. Navy and his personal fortitude.
Greg Levine, the executive director of Trees Atlanta, expressed his excitement for this project, noting that Carter’s connection to the outdoors is well-documented. “We hope that he’ll love this gift,” Levine shared. “From the Carters’ creation of a tree farm in the 1950s near Plains to their interest in the trees on the Carter Presidential Center grounds, we see their values have always been larger than themselves,” said Dr. Meredith Evans, the director of the Jimmy Carter Presidential Library and Museum.
A Legacy Rooted in Nature
This isn’t the first time Trees Atlanta has honored Carter with a green gift. On his 80th birthday, the organization presented him with a Georgia Oak. This year’s dedication is even more extensive, aiming to last for decades as a living testament to Carter’s impact on the community and environment.
“They understood that simple gestures like planting and caring for trees help our environment, community, and spirit,” Dr. Evans elaborated. “Trees, among other things, keep the air and water clean and our minds tranquil. This prolongs the longevity of healthy lives as President Carter has shown us.”
The upcoming months will see these mighty live oaks taking root around The Carter Center, each one a symbol of the enduring legacy of the 39th president of the United States. With each planting, Jimmy Carter’s contributions to nature and the American spirit will continue to grow, standing tall and strong as a testament to his life’s work and values.
As Georgia continues to celebrate the life and contributions of this extraordinary man, one thing is clear: Jimmy Carter’s footprint on the earth is one that will support and inspire generations to come.
