He was elected primarily as a calming influence which was needed after the turmoil caused by America's involvement in the Viet Nam War, the Civil Rights protests and of course, the Watergate debacle, which caused a Constitutional crisis. Sadly, other factors helped to make his term seem more of the same.
His four years were beset with economic problems like inflation and a gasoline crisis at home, and multiple challenges abroad. Islamic radicals in Iran seized American hostages at the US embassy in Tehran, which cost him re-election in 1980.
However, he will be remembered for brokering the Camp David Accords, which brought Anwar Sadat of Egypt and Menachem Begin of Israel to agree to a peace treaty which continues to this day.
His post-presidential life was devoted to humanitarian issues, including the creation of the Habitat for Humanity, traveling the world as America’s Ambassador for Peace, and ultimately, in 2002, winning the Nobel Peace Prize in his quest for peace on earth.
He was a mediocre President at best, but was probably the best ex-President we had for promoting all of his good works.
He served in the US Navy (Active) from 1946 to 1953, as a Lieutenant, and in the Naval Reserve from 1953 to 1961.
In the coming days, funeral arrangements will be finalized including the time he will lie in state in the Rotunda of the Capital in Washinton, DC. The living current and former Presidents have all made their first remarks about the man and his legacy.
They will soon announce their plans to attend his services in DC and/or Georgia, once plans are finalized.
May he Rest In Peace.
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