[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 26 (Thursday, March 1, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E267-E268]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         CONGRATULATING THE PEACE CORPS ON ITS 40TH ANNIVERSARY

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. CHRISTOPHER SHAYS

                             of connecticut

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 1, 2001

  Mr. SHAYS. Mr. Speaker, It is a great pleasure to congratulate the 
Peace Corps as it celebrates the 40th anniversary of its founding. This 
truly is a milestone.
  Founded in 1961, the Peace Corps has sought to meet its legislative 
mandate of promoting world peace and friendship by sending American 
volunteers to serve at the grassroots level in villages and towns in 
all corners of the globe. Living and working with ordinary people, 
volunteers contributed in a variety of capacities--such as teachers, 
foresters, farmers, small business advisors--to improving the lives of 
those they serve. They also seek to share their understanding of other 
countries with Americans back home.
  As a returned volunteer, I can attest to the positive impact Peace 
Corps volunteers have on the lives of people around the world and here 
in the United States. Volunteers are not high-priced consultants but 
hands-on workers in the trenches who live in the communities they 
serve. In many cases, they speak the native language and become a part 
of the local culture.
  To date, more than 151,000 volunteers have served in 132 countries. 
Currently, 7,300 Peace Corps volunteers serve in 76 countries, helping 
improve the lives of children, their families and their communities.
  Volunteers also come back to the United States with a commitment to 
service, as well as the skills and interest in world affairs needed to 
be leaders in the global community. Many successful Americans served in 
the Peace Corps; their Peace Corps skills and perspectives shaped their 
lives and their careers back home. A few of the many notable alumni 
include Senator Christopher Dodd of Connecticut, who served in the 
Dominican Republic from 1966 until 1968, Donna Shalala, former 
Secretary of Health and Human Services, who served in Iran from 1962 
until 1964, and Richard Holbrooke, former U.S. Ambassador to the United 
Nations, who served as Country Director in Morocco from 1970 until 
1972.
  I believe I would not be a Member of Congress today were it not for 
my experience in the Peace Corps and know I am a better person for my 
service.
  The Peace Corps has played an important role overseas and here at 
home. And my

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prayer is that it will do so for many years to come.

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