Today, as the world mourns the passing of President Jimmy Carter, we at Friendship Force International reflect on the profound impact he had on our organization. Together with his close friend and FFI founder Wayne Smith, President Carter played a pivotal role in establishing FFI, driven by his vision of fostering global understanding and friendship. His unwavering belief in the power of people-to-people diplomacy remains the cornerstone of our mission.
In the wake of his passing, heartfelt messages from FFI members around the world have poured in, each reflecting on the remarkable legacy President Carter leaves
Jimmy Carter with a Friendship Force member from Japan, September 1981
behind. Here are a few of these messages, a testament to how deeply his vision and leadership have touched lives everywhere.
We are deeply saddened by the passing of President Jimmy Carter, the founder of Friendship Force. His vision of friendship and peace will inspire us forever. Our heartfelt condolences to the Carter family and the Friendship Force community. – Friendship Force in Sri Lanka
Shad, my wife Paulette and I stood at the back of the crowd at Jimmy Carter’s inauguration January 20th, 1977. I was an Institute of Ecology intern at the Congress from CSU. Now, as Secretary in 2025, I’m on the Friendship Force International Board. Dick Lamm helped found our first FFI chapter here in Colorado. Colorado now has four of the more than three hundred chapters worldwide. Another dimension of the Carter family legacy.– Ken Weaver, USA
As a charter member of Friendship Force International, I have always been amazed that when I tell people that President Carter was one of our founders, their responses are so positive about what a great president he was and how they feel he was misjudged. To me that says that he achieved his goal in promoting peace and friendship throughout the world. He was truly a remarkable man who was loved and respected by all. What a legacy he left to the world – thousands of strangers who through the simple act of opening their homes and hearts to one another have enhanced lives in hundreds of countries. – Judi Smith, USA
May 2002: President and Mrs. Carter join a Friendship Force journey to Cuba
What an amazing person to respect and honour as a co- founder of our worldwide Friendship Force organisation. Through his vision of helping people of different cultures to gain a greater understanding of each other , many of us have made long lasting friends around the world. We have travelled far , been hosted by like minded strangers, shared experiences , meals and parted as great friends. When I discovered FF Adelaide Australia over 25 years ago my life changed forever in the best possible way. Heartfelt condolences to the Carter family and thankyou for your legacy in making such a difference in our world. – Yvonne Shakes, Australia
I would like to express my sincere condolences on the death of President Jimmy Carter. Many members of The Friendship Force of St. Petersburg, Russia are sharing this loss. We had the honour to meet President Carter during the Friendship Force international conferences. In 1992 President Carter and the First Lady Rosalynn visited St. Petersburg. The unforgettable meeting was held in our club.The people not only took numerous pictures with the Carters. They were pleased with the nobility and modesty of this remarkable person. The Carters together with the Friendship Force founder Wayne Smith created the best organization which helps people all over the world live in peace and mutual understanding in spite of the political, economic and racial differences. It is especially important nowadays when the world is so fragile. Eternal memory to President Jimmy Carter. – Tamara Kazharskaya, Russia
I remember President and Mrs. Carter attending the International Conference in Rio de Janeiro in the1980’s. That was when Pan Am flew. Four members of the Friendship Force of Greater Harrisburg were delayed from JFK Airport due to someone leaving a door ajar. The plane had to fly off fuel before resuming the flight to Rio. The Friendship Force members reenacted the entertainment for the ambassadors arriving late. I had my photo taken with President Carter with the secret service in the background. Also, Amy Carter accompanied the Friendship Force of Greater Harrisburg on a three country visit to Ireland, Wales and the United Kingdom (New Castle) back in the 1980s. Great Friendship Force visits. I am so happy that the Friendship Force gave me the opportunity to see the world and make friends. – Patricia Stringer, USA
These messages, and many others like them, paint a vivid picture of President Carter’s extraordinary role in shaping Friendship Force. No doubt his legacy of friendship and peace will continue to inspire and guide us for generations to come.