For the last few weeks, the Times-Recorder has received an influx of e-mails and letters voicing concern over the renaming of the Souther Field Airport to the Jimmy Carter Regional Airport.
Local, state and national media picked up the controversy that resulted, and as usual, on the day of event, many were anxious and unsure of what might happen.
As the people gathered at the entrance of the airport where the ceremony would take place, it was obvious that the sweltering temperature was not the only reason for the sweat beads on the brows of the officials in charge.
The very people who were against the renaming did show up, and stood in the back and to the sides, while allowing older attendees the chairs. It was a well rounded mix of citizens and leaders in attendance.
Neither nothing negative was said, nor did anything negative occur.
President Jimmy Carter, in his remarks, spoke little of the controversy, but took time to explain his letter and his thoughts of discouraging the renaming in his honor.
And all the people applauded.
A thought was brought up by Sumter County Board of Commissioners chair, Brent Williams, that stood out. Regardless of their feelings on the matter of the airport renaming or about the politics of Jimmy Carter, Williams said, “Sometimes, I think we take for granted that we have a President of the United States living right here among us ... And only 44 men have done that and one of them,” stressed Williams “is from Sumter County,” and that is the reason that he is being honored.
Carter himself said he appreciated the letter writers, joking that he got more publicity then Ronald Reagan and George W. Bush did when they received the honors of airports named for them.
Others present were glad that people cared enough to voice their opinion and that is what the country is made for — freedom of speech.
Yes, Souther Field is no longer on the sign, but the memories are there, and isn’t that what matters most?
We applaud all present at the ceremony for showing the class that they did to make the event as presentable and enjoyable for all.
