[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 26 (Thursday, March 1, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E257]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            HONORING THE PEACE CORPS ON ITS 40TH ANNIVERSARY

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. BARBARA LEE

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 1, 2001

  Ms. LEE. Mr. Speaker, when John F. Kennedy challenged Americans to 
put aside self-interest and go out and make the world a better place, 
he launched a crusade of service that continues today. Over the last 
four decades, thousands of Peace Corps volunteers have built bridges as 
well as friendships.
  Peace Corps volunteers have helped children learn to read, helped 
villages obtain clean water, helped educate people about HIV/AIDS and 
other health threats, and helped farmers grow more food. In the process 
of these and countless other undertakings, what is most striking for 
many returned volunteers is not how much they taught, but rather how 
much they learned.
  The Peace Corps embodies the highest principles of international and 
intercultural exchange. Peace Corps volunteers truly do think globally 
by acting locally. This grassroots program has made many lasting 
contributions to the world. John F. Kennedy called on Americans to ask 
what they could do for their country, but in fact, the Peace Corps 
mandate is much broader: it asks volunteers what they can do for their 
planet and its people.
  I am proud to join my colleagues in congratulating the Peace Corps on 
its forty years of achievement and in reaffirming our national 
commitment to international service.

                          ____________________