Former President Jimmy Carter has made history by becoming the first living U.S. president to be honored with an official White House Christmas ornament. The ornament, unveiled by the White House Historical Association, pays tribute to Carter's legacy and achievements during his time in office.
The ornament, part of an annual series that began in 1981, features symbols representing various aspects of Carter's presidency. Shaped like an anchor to honor his Navy service, it also includes doves, a globe, a submarine, and peanuts, reflecting different facets of Carter's life and career.
Stewart McLaurin, president of the historical association, highlighted the significance of featuring a living president in the ornament series for the first time. Carter, who served as the 39th president of the United States, holds the distinction of being the only president to have attended the U.S. Naval Academy.
The ornament also showcases the USS Jimmy Carter, a nuclear submarine named in his honor, and references his peacemaking efforts, including the Camp David Peace Accords. Additionally, symbols of environmental conservation and Carter's commitment to global peace are depicted on the ornament.
At 99 years old, Carter is currently in hospice care at his home, surrounded by family. His wife, Rosalynn Carter, passed away in November after battling dementia. The couple shared the longest marriage in U.S. presidential history, spanning over 77 years.
The White House Historical Association, established in 1961, aims to preserve the White House interior and educate the public. As a nonprofit organization, it relies on private donations and merchandise sales, including the annual Christmas ornament, to fund its initiatives.
