[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 35 (Thursday, March 3, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E275]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  55TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE PEACE CORPS

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. GWEN MOORE

                              of wisconsin

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 3, 2016

  Ms. MOORE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to join in the celebration of 
the 55th Anniversary of the Peace Corps.
  Since the program's establishment on March 1st, 1961 by President 
John F. Kennedy, the Peace Corps has been working to promote peace and 
friendship, and to help nations tackle some of the most pressing 
challenges they face. As we celebrate, let's remember that the Peace 
Corps is now active in over 130 nations and its volunteers remain 
committed to tackling issues such as climate change, pandemic disease, 
food security, and gender inequality and empowerment.
  In the 55 years since its' founding, over 220,000 U.S. citizens, 
including current Members of Congress, have served their nation in the 
Peace Corps. And many more are eager to serve. In 2015, the Peace Corps 
received its highest number of applications (over 23,000) since 1975.
  Peace Corps volunteers go abroad for deployments of 2 years aid in 
the social and economic developments in some of the world's poorest 
countries. They serve as teachers and health care providers in 
communities that lack access to various necessities like food, water, 
education, healthcare, equality and disease prevention. They also help 
our nation by becoming the face of America to those they interact with 
while themselves gaining a better understanding of the culture and 
people of other nations. Volunteers often immerse themselves in the 
communities that they are sent to and play a unique role in shaping the 
lives of the individuals permanently living there.
  I want to take a moment to congratulate the 22 residents of my 
congressional district who currently serve as Peace Corps volunteers. 
They have been deployed to South Africa, Indonesia, Ethiopia, and 
Ecuador, just to name a few. I wish these young men and women the best 
of luck as they begin to make a difference in the communities they have 
been deployed to. And I have no doubt that these talented and skilled 
young people will make an incredible difference as Peace Corps 
volunteers.
  I strongly support the Peace Corps. The Peace Corps represents the 
best of America and the undimmed potential of ``soft power'' 
initiatives that help make our world a better place. In the midst of 
poverty and through war and conflict, the Peace Corps has shown the 
world a hopeful, uplifting side of America that reflects our 
fundamental values of peace, prosperity, and progress. The Peace Corps 
will be a vital part of the U.S. diplomatic and development response 
and a sign of our nation's long term commitment to help alleviate 
suffering around the globe.
  Let us work to keep this program strong and in business for another 
55 years.

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