45th Anniversary of the Peace Corps

45TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE PEACE CORPS -- (Extensions of Remarks - March 01, 2006)
SPEECH OF HON. TOM UDALL OF NEW MEXICO IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 1, 2006

* Mr. UDALL of New Mexico. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the United States Peace Corps and its more than 7,800 volunteers serving abroad as they celebrate the 45th anniversary of this respected organization. In 1961, President John F. Kennedy established the Peace Corps, impressing upon thousands of young people the need for public service and urging them to become not simply citizens of the U.S., but to become global citizens in pursuit of peace and friendship.

* The Peace Corps has carried on that mission. By serving two years overseas, volunteers work cooperatively with local communities, providing expertise and assistance, and empowering people in developing countries. Their service continues President Kennedy's hopes for the Peace Corps to change the lives of countless individuals, families, and communities worldwide.

* Today, I would also like to share the story of a volunteer from my district--a young woman from Santa Fe, New Mexico who was committed to the mission of the Peace Corps.

* Tessa Marie Horan graduated from the College of Santa Fe in December 2003 and began a career focused on educating children. She was accepted to the Peace Corps in November 2005, and after nine weeks of training, was dispatched to work in Tonga to teach in the Community Education project. The education project is focused on building life skills for Tongan students, and Tessa, who was looking forward to getting to work, had already established a connection with the village youth.

* Unfortunately, Tessa's life was cut tragically short this January when she was attacked by a shark in the waters off Tu'anuku. In what had become an afternoon ritual, she was playing outdoors with the village children when they decided to take a swim to cool off.

* In the days before her death, Tessa's friends and family recall her saying that she was thoroughly enjoying her experience in Tonga and looking forward to the official start of the teaching program. Tessa was just 24-years old and often quoted Ghandi: ``Be the change you wish to see in the world.'' Those words are very fitting to describe the character of Tessa and the thousands of other Peace Corps volunteers.

* Mr. Speaker, congratulations again to the Peace Corps on its 45th anniversary, and a personal, thank you to all former and current Peace Corps volunteers from New Mexico. Your selfless dedication and service serves as an example of the American spirit.

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