Honoring the 45th Anniversary of the Peace Corps
HONORING THE 45TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE PEACE CORPS -- HON. STEVEN R. ROTHMAN (Extensions of Remarks - March 02, 2006)
HON. STEVEN R. ROTHMAN OF NEW JERSEY IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Thursday, March 2, 2006
* Mr. ROTHMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of the Peace Corps, and the wonderful volunteers who enable this great institution to provide invaluable humanitarian service throughout the world.
* Forty-five years ago this week, President John F. Kennedy established the Peace Corps to ``promote world peace and friendship.'' That message has never been more important than it is today. At a time when America's image abroad needs all the help that it can get, the Peace Corps provides us with the magnificent opportunity to demonstrate to the world that we are not only a nation of great prosperity, but great generosity as well; not only a nation of incredible might, but tremendous compassion.
* Since 1961, more than 182,000 volunteers have served in 138 countries. Peace Corps volunteers serve as community leaders, business advisors, ecological conservationists, information technology consultants, health and HIV/AIDS educators, agricultural workers, and school teachers. President Kennedy said of these fine women and men:
* ``For every young American who participates in the Peace Corps--who works in a foreign land--will know that he or she is sharing in the great common task of bringing to man that decent way of life which is the foundation of freedom and a condition of peace.''
* Today there are nearly 8,000 volunteers serving in 75 different countries. I would especially like to recognize the eight current volunteers from New Jersey's Ninth district: Julie Castner, Lucia Chan, Adam Kaufman, Suzanne Lee, Joseph Maggio, Reuben Man, Domenick Piccinich, and Troy Wolfe. You have made me and the people of New Jersey very proud.
* Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join with me today in commending the thousands of Americans who serve and have served as Peace Corps volunteers. They are I a great credit to our country.
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