[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 30 (Thursday, March 4, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E304]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


       HONORING THE PEACE CORPS DURING NATIONAL PEACE CORPS WEEK

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                         HON. LUIS V. GUTIERREZ

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 4, 2010

  Mr. GUTIERREZ. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor and commemorate 
the important contributions of the Peace Corps during National Peace 
Corps Week.
  President Kennedy's inspiring inaugural quote, ``Ask not what your 
country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country,'' sparked 
the establishment of the Peace Corps in 1961, and since then, almost 
200,000 Americans have answered to this call to service.
  For five decades, participants in the Peace Corps have made 
significant strides to advance the cause of peace and human progress in 
countries around the world. Just as important, these dedicated 
volunteers often continue making a difference in their local 
communities in the United States once they return home.
  At the present time, almost 7,700 volunteers serve in 76 countries 
across the globe. They continue to work tirelessly to provide 
meaningful assistance to people in need, helping to improve the lives 
of our brothers and sisters in other parts of the world.
  The Peace Corps remains a strong symbol of our nation's commitment to 
service and progress. This program epitomizes the human desire to make 
a difference and the American spirit, rooted in a willingness to help 
improve the lives of others. I encourage my colleagues to take this 
opportunity to recognize the important and meaningful work of the Peace 
Corps, and I hope they will join me in commending the Peace Corps' 
achievements and commitment to service.

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