[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 19 (Tuesday, March 3, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E261]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 IN RECOGNITION OF PEACE CORPS DAY '98

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. TONY P. HALL

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, March 3, 1998

  Mr. HALL of Ohio. Mr. Speaker, today educators and former Peace Corps 
volunteers came together across the country to take part in Peace Corps 
Day '98. By speaking in classrooms throughout America, returned Peace 
Corps volunteers shared their experiences with a new generation of 
Americans to enhance cross-cultural understanding, and strengthen 
global education. The events of Peace Corps Day '98 teach young people 
the value of service to those who are in need.
  Since 1961, when the Peace Corps was established by President John F. 
Kennedy, over 150,000 men and women have volunteered in over 132 
countries around the world. I am proud to say that I am one of the 
6,500 Ohioans among that number.
  For 37 years, the Peace Corps has brought together bright, energetic 
people who are committed to service, and has equipped them with the 
tools to serve in foreign countries as representatives of peace. Today, 
over 6,500 Americans serve as Peace Corps volunteers in over 84 
countries. These individuals are helping to create a better future for 
the local people with whom they work. Peace Corps volunteers are 
laboring to help communities improve sanitation, cultivate food, and 
gain access to clean water. These volunteers are teaching English, 
math, and science; and helping local entrepreneurs start new 
businesses. Most importantly, however, Peace Corps volunteers are 
America's diplomats of peace and friendship around the world.
  But, it is not easy. I know first-hand the challenges and 
difficulties faced by Peace Corps volunteers. I also know the 
tremendous rewards from my own Peace Corps experience. Simply put, it 
changed my life. When I graduated from college in 1964, my dreams were 
to play pro-football, make big money, and drive fast cars. Instead, I 
found myself teaching English and riding a bicycle through the jungles 
of Thailand.
  I remember my first night in Thailand. While sitting in a restaurant, 
I watched a cat chase a rat across the floor and devour it. I thought, 
``what am I doing here?'' But as my experience progressed, and I got to 
know the villagers, my entire outlook on life changed. I came home to 
America with a better understanding and appreciation of the world, with 
my priorities in order, and prepared for a life of public service.
  Peace Corps Day '98 continues the proud legacy of the Peace Corps to 
instill within young people an understanding of the importance of 
service and to foster a better appreciation for the world. Today, more 
than 350,000 students in all 50 states learned about life in developing 
countries by talking with former Peace Corps volunteers who served 
overseas. Some students were able to learn about the experiences of 
volunteers currently serving in countries like Panama through video 
conferencing and speaker phone.
  After 37 years, Peace Corps volunteers continue to work against 
hunger, illiteracy, and poverty to provide more opportunities to people 
around the world. Their years of service has improved the lives of 
millions. The success of Peace Corps volunteers and the continuing 
needs of the developing world has prompted President Clinton to request 
more funding for the Peace Corps in order to increase the number of 
volunteers. At the same time, interest in the program has increased 
within the American public. In 1997, there was a 40% increase of 
individuals interested in serving as a volunteer since 1994.
  Today, on Peace Corps Day '98, the Peace Corps deserves our 
appreciation and highest recognition as they continue to instill the 
value of service and volunteerism to young people throughout our 
nation.

                          ____________________