[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 32 (Thursday, February 27, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E324]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        NATIONAL PEACE CORPS DAY

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. CHRISTOPHER SHAYS

                             of connecticut

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, February 27, 2003

  Mr. SHAYS. Mr. Speaker, I join my colleagues in celebrating National 
Peace Corps Day.
  Since its founding in 1961, the Peace Corps has become an enduring 
symbol of our Nation's commitment to encourage progress, provide 
opportunities, and promote world peace and friendship at the grass-
roots level in the developing world.
  To date, more than 168,000 Americans responded to our Nation's call 
to service by becoming Peace Corps Volunteers in 136 countries. 
Volunteers serve at the grassroots level in villages and towns around 
the globe. Living and working within local communities, volunteers 
serve as teachers, farmers, foresters and small business advisors, 
dedicated to improving the lives of those around them. In doing so, 
they make significant and lasting contributions to communities and 
individuals around the world.
  Volunteers, enriched by their experiences overseas, return 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. 
I believe I would not be a Member of Congress today were it not for my 
experience in the Peace Corps and I believe I am a better person 
because of this service.
  I would also like to recognize the Peace Corp Volunteers currently 
serving from Connecticut's Fourth District: Allison R. Ball in 
Micronesia; Megan Banigan in Guatemala; Dario Borghesan in Togo; Emily 
J. Bristle in Mali; Camilla A. Brooks in the Philippines; Nkechi N. 
Eneh in Mauritania; Sondra E. Ganelli in Samoa; Emily R. Hamilton in 
Paraguay; Timothy Mills in Senegal; Peter T. Nasuti in Uzbekistan; 
Lindsay B. Nemirow in the Dominican Republic; Matthew G. O'Driscoll in 
Nicaragua; Brooke J. Oppenheimer in Gambia; David M. Ottaviano in 
Panama; Aimee E. Petras in Morocco; and Deva N. Rama in Guatemala.
  National Peace Corps Day honors its Volunteers, past and present, and 
reaffirms our country's commitment to helping people help themselves 
throughout the world.

                          ____________________