Former President Jimmy Carter spoke of the nation’s fight against terrorism and the need to maintain its moral and humanitarian values during a Saturday commencement address to Georgia State University graduates.
Carter talked about the global arms race, Georgia State’s new football team and his two grandchildren, who were among the graduates.
Carter briefly referred to last week’s killing of Osama bin Laden.
It is “imperative that America remains vigilant against threats from terrorists,” he said. “I’m particularly proud, as a Navy man, of the Navy SEALs.”
More than 3,300 students graduated, making them the largest class for the fast-growing Atlanta university.
The 2002 Nobel Peace Prize recipient encouraged graduates to be creative to help America become a better nation.
“We need always to constantly stretch our minds and also to stretch our hearts, to explore new ideas and not to be bound by customs,” he said.
He spoke of the nation’s armed presence around the world and said a nation’s admirable characteristics are not defined by physical prowess.
Carter said the country should be dedicated to resolving disputes peacefully and at the forefront of providing assistance to people in need. He stressed the need for universal health care and a superb education system.
Carter said his goal was not to criticize, but to “outline some of the combined challenges and especially opportunities that you face as future leaders.”
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