Celebrating the 45th Aniversary of the Peace Corps

CELEBRATING THE 45TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE PEACE CORPS -- (House of Representatives - March 01, 2006)

(Ms. McCOLLUM of Minnesota asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend her remarks.)

Ms. McCOLLUM of Minnesota. Madam Speaker, 45 years ago today, President Kennedy created the Peace Corps, saying: ``It will not be easy. None of the men or women will be paid a salary. They will live at the same level as the citizens of the country to which they are sent, doing the same work, eating the same food, speaking the same language.''

On this anniversary, let us celebrate the service of the more than 180,000 brave Americans who have answered President Kennedy's call to service and served our Nation and the world as Peace Corps volunteers.

In 1961, President Kennedy made peace a priority, and peace must remain a priority for our Nation. So for their commitment of hope, friendship and peace, I applaud the nearly 7,800 Americans, including almost 200 Minnesotans who are currently proudly serving as Peace Corps volunteers.

The service of these volunteers and all of the returned Peace Corps volunteers make America proud.

Happy Birthday Peace Corps.

http://thomas.loc.gov