[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 164 (Wednesday, September 22, 2021)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1009]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          RECOGNIZING THE 60TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE PEACE CORPS

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. NORMA J. TORRES

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 22, 2021

  Mrs. TORRES of California. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize 
the 60th Anniversary of the Peace Corps Act and the dedicated heroes 
who work tirelessly to bring a positive change in communities across 
the world.
  President Kennedy signed the Peace Corps Act into law in 1961 and 
presented the opportunity for American citizens to be innovators and 
trailblazers in communities abroad. In the last 60 years, over 240,000 
American citizens have humbly worked across the globe with local 
leaders to meet the needs of the host country's communities.
  It makes me proud to know that for more than a decade, California has 
led the nation in recruiting Peace Corps Volunteers. Since 1961, 31,752 
Californians have decided to share their heart, creativity, and 
ingenuity in over 140 countries. Our nation is thankful for the Peace 
Corps volunteers who go to their host country to bring a greater 
understanding of American values. And we can't forget the lessons that 
volunteers learn during their time abroad, and how their service helps 
them become more compassionate leaders back home. Peace Corps 
volunteers don't only serve as ambassadors for the global community but 
also as role models for a younger generation in the U.S. I hope their 
passion to serve others continues to transform and inspire our 
communities.
  Despite the coronavirus pandemic temporarily suspending all 
operations in 2020 and evacuating all 7,000 volunteers across the 
world, the Peace Corps stands at the ready to once more promote peace 
and friendship in every corner of the world.
  So, I want to take this moment to say thank you, not just to the men 
and women from California in the Peace Corps, but also to all those who 
serve and have served proudly with the Peace Corps.
  Today, Madam Speaker, it is my honor to recognize the 60th 
Anniversary of the Peace Corps Act and the men and women who intrepidly 
go out into the world to bring change and peace through hard work and 
American values.

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