ATLANTA — As night fell on The Carter Center in Atlanta, flowers and candles, and even a jar of peanuts, appeared by its welcome sign.
People in the neighborhoods near the center strolled past, reflecting on President Carter’s legacy.
“And I will just always remember him as this great humanitarian,” said Susan Okada, who joined her husband Derek, in paying tribute to the 39th president. “He loved his country and served his country so well. And I think he showed this country what can be done once you’ve left the White House.”
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Carter was the first president she ever voted for, and she said he redefined the role of an ex-president.
Shatul Parikh, who was born during the first year of Jimmy Carter’s presidency, joined his family on a walk past The Carter Center.
He, too, said Carter’s work after leaving office continues to change the world.
“And in my opinion, he was one of the most prolific creators of peace and harmony in the world as a post-president,” he told Channel 2′s Bryan Mims. “He continued on the world stage and the Carter Center has done a lot for world peace.”
Carter established the Carter Center in 1982. The nonprofit has wiped out Guinea worm disease, ended bloody conflicts, promoted human rights and democracy, and eased human suffering in more than 80 countries.
Ravi Parikh, 17, has studied the speeches of presidents and world leaders “who’ve been able to leave, as my dad said, an indelible mark, just via his ability to speak and draw groups together,” he said.
Dogged by world crises, and defeated in a landslide, Carter came home to Georgia after leaving the White House, only to keep changing the world with his humanitarian work.
“It’s impressive to see a president from Georgia,” Ravi Parikh said. “And like my dad said, he leaves an indelible mark just via his ability to speak and draw groups together.”
The staff of the Carter Center says in lieu of flowers, President Carter requested those wishing to honor his memory do so through contributions to the Carter Center and to perform acts of service to humanity.
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