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Recognizing the 60th Anniversary of the Peace Corps

Floor Speech

Date: Sept. 22, 2021
Location: Washington, DC

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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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