[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 25 (Thursday, March 2, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E257]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            HONORING THE 45TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE PEACE CORPS

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. STEVEN R. ROTHMAN

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 2, 2006

  Mr. ROTHMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of the Peace 
Corps, and the wonderful volunteers who enable this great institution 
to provide invaluable humanitarian service throughout the world.
  Forty-five years ago this week, President John F. Kennedy established 
the Peace Corps to ``promote world peace and friendship.'' That message 
has never been more important than it is today. At a time when 
America's image abroad needs all the help that it can get, the Peace 
Corps provides us with the magnificent opportunity to demonstrate to 
the world that we are not only a nation of great prosperity, but great 
generosity as well; not only a nation of incredible might, but 
tremendous compassion.
  Since 1961, more than 182,000 volunteers have served in 138 
countries. Peace Corps volunteers serve as community leaders, business 
advisors, ecological conservationists, information technology 
consultants, health and HIV/AIDS educators, agricultural workers, and 
school teachers. President Kennedy said of these fine women and men:
  ``For every young American who participates in the Peace Corps--who 
works in a foreign land--will know that he or she is sharing in the 
great common task of bringing to man that decent way of life which is 
the foundation of freedom and a condition of peace.''
  Today there are nearly 8,000 volunteers serving in 75 different 
countries. I would especially like to recognize the eight current 
volunteers from New Jersey's Ninth district: Julie Castner, Lucia Chan, 
Adam Kaufman, Suzanne Lee, Joseph Maggio, Reuben Man, Domenick 
Piccinich, and Troy Wolfe. You have made me and the people of New 
Jersey very proud.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join with me today in commending 
the thousands of Americans who serve and have served as Peace Corps 
volunteers. They are I a great credit to our country.

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