[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 31 (Thursday, March 11, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E352-E353]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      RECOGNIZING PEACE CORPS WEEK

                                 ______
                                 

                     HON. HOWARD P. ``BUCK'' McKEON

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 11, 2004

  Mr. McKEON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of National 
Peace Corps Week, which gives us the opportunity to honor and 
commemorate the 43rd anniversary of the Peace Corps. During this week, 
celebratory and educational events take place across the country to pay 
tribute to the Peace Corps' influence on communities in the United 
States and abroad. Thousands of Peace Corps volunteers speak in 
classrooms, Governors issue proclamations, and former and current Peace 
Corps staff honor the lasting legacy of the Peace Corps with their 
service. I would like to join these individuals in their tribute.
  Since its inception in 1961, over 170,000 Peace Corps Volunteers have 
served in 137 countries to promote the Peace Corps' mission of world 
peace and friendship. Currently, over 7,500 Volunteers are serving in 
71 countries around the world--the highest number of volunteers in the 
field in 28 years. In 2003 alone, the number of individuals applying to 
serve in the Peace Corps rose by 10 percent. With continued interest 
from both Americans

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and host countries, the Peace Corps is well-positioned to continue to 
expand its ranks for many years to come.
  The work of the Peace Corps has never been more relevant than it is 
today. Americans are interested in humanitarian service, and host 
countries are eager for our volunteers. Peace Corps volunteers share 
their time and talents by serving as teachers, business advisors, 
information technology consultants, health and HIV/AIDS educators, and 
youth and agriculture workers. These volunteers transfer life-changing 
knowledge and skills that are valued by the people of other nations. In 
its tenure this institution has become vital to the well-being of our 
country and to the international community.
  During this week, we salute the men and women of this nation who 
selflessly serve abroad as Peace Corps Volunteers.
  Recently, I had the opportunity to honor Sergeant Shiver, the 
organizer and first director of the Peace Corps. His lifelong service 
is only one shinning example of the quality of individuals the Peace 
Corps recruits. He, as well as many other members of the Peace Corps, 
has shown that one dedicated individual can create positive change in 
the world.
  Mr. Speaker, I would like to Join my colleagues in support of 
National Peace Corps Week and honor past and present volunteers who 
carry out the Peace Corps' goals and who continue to empower people in 
developing and developed countries through their efforts.

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