[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 37 (Monday, March 5, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E456]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          RECOGNIZING THE 46TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE PEACE CORPS

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                         HON. JAMES R. LANGEVIN

                            of rhode island

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, March 5, 2007

  Mr. LANGEVIN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the 46th 
anniversary of the Peace Corps. For more than 4 decades, services 
donated by Peace Corps volunteers have played an integral role in 
developing countries, while fostering friendships and improving U.S. 
relations with their host countries. The Peace Corps' goals ultimately 
include promoting democratic values, peace and prosperity. More than 
187,000 Americans have served worldwide in 139 countries, promoting an 
ethic of international stewardship and peace.
  The Peace Corps was created by President John F. Kennedy on March 1, 
1961, as an international volunteer organization dedicated to serving 
the United States and promoting peace around the world. During that 
time in history, the United States was deep into the Cold War, and 
President Kennedy saw the need for an organization to serve as a non-
military response to the perceived threat of communism. President 
Kennedy invoked the spirit of American service in his 1960 inaugural 
address where he famously encouraged Americans to ``ask not what your 
country can do for you--ask what you can do for your country.'' The 
program has since provided volunteers who train workers in the areas of 
education, the HIV/AIDS pandemic, small business development, 
agriculture, health care and public works.
  While the world has changed dramatically since the 1960s, the 
challenges to peace and cooperation remain. I wholeheartedly support 
the current mission of the Peace Corps and its role in promoting cross-
cultural relationships with our global neighbors. It is a tremendous 
educational tool and an opportunity for professional and personal 
development. Americans take as much away from their experiences as do 
the people in other nations whose lives they touch. It is my hope that 
the Peace Corps remains steadfast in its mission to foster peace and 
knowledge around the world and preserve the vision of President 
Kennedy.
  Madam Speaker, I encourage my colleagues to acknowledge the 
importance of the Peace Corps organization and the commitment made by 
these volunteers. The Peace Corps volunteers' selfless dedication to 
this nation and the international community is an example to us all.




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