In 2017, a nostalgic trip to Plains, Ga., to hear Jimmy Carter teach Sunday school at Maranatha Baptist Church rekindled memories of patriotism. With my teenage children, we explored Carter’s childhood home, farm, and more, connecting with the past. As a child in 1976, I immersed myself in the American Bicentennial spirit, celebrating with poems and dreams of meeting Carter. Despite political shifts over the years, the essence of patriotism changed, culminating in the turmoil of Jan. 6, 2017.
Listening to Carter and witnessing the peaceful town of Plains reignited a sense of hope and pride. The experience echoed in recent political speeches, highlighting the enduring values Carter stood for. As Carter turns 100, his legacy symbolizes the possibilities of positive impact. Reflecting on that day in Plains, I hold onto a renewed belief in the timeless dream of a better future, inspired by the spirit of unity and fair governance.