[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 154 (2008), Part 4]
[Senate]
[Page 4982]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                       COMMENDING THE PEACE CORPS

  Mr. CONRAD. Mr. President, I would like to take a moment to commend 
the Peace Corps and its volunteers for 47 years of service to our 
country.
  In 1960, John F. Kennedy challenged students to dedicate a portion of 
their lives to serving their country overseas in the cause of peace. A 
year later, as President, he established the Peace Corps. And now, 
after 47 years, the Peace Corps shines as a beacon of our commitment to 
the world.
  Created to extend the volunteerism of the American people abroad, the 
Peace Corps has sent more than 190,000 citizens to nearly 140 countries 
as grassroots ambassadors of American goodwill. They have made lasting 
contributions in fields like agriculture, education, health care, and 
the environment.
  Twenty-seven North Dakotans currently serve in the Peace Corps. I 
know many individuals who volunteered their service. What I have heard 
of their experiences is truly remarkable.
  President Kennedy challenged us to ask what we can do for our 
country. The men and women of the Peace Corps rise to that challenge. 
Through their service, they demonstrate to the world that America and 
her people truly do care.

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