Kennedy Introduces Peace Corps Commemoration Act

Press Release

In honor of Peace Corps Week 2013, Congressman Joe Kennedy III today introduced the Peace Corps Commemoration Act, his first bill since being sworn in as a Member of Congress.

Kennedy served in the Peace Corps from 2004-2006 in the Dominican Republic. The organization, now celebrating its 52nd year, was founded by Kennedy's great-uncle, President John F. Kennedy, in 1961.

"At a time when the international community was fractured by the Cold War, the founding of the Peace Corps reminded America of the best it had to offer: service to others for the common cause of global peace, mutual understanding, prosperity, and progress," said Congressman Kennedy. "Commemoratives in our nation's capital celebrate the seminal moments in American history. Given the lasting impact of the Peace Corps at home and abroad, it is fitting that its legacy be honored in Washington."

This cost-free legislation authorizes the non-profit Peace Corps Commemorative Foundation to establish a commemorative work on federal land in our nation's capital. The Foundation is responsible for any costs associated with the commemorative work. This bill was previously introduced in the 112th Congress with strong bipartisan support.

About the Peace Corps:

Over more than 50 years, through war and conflict, more than 210,000 Americans from all 50 states have served in 139 developing countries, embodying the timeless American ideals of goodwill, friendship, prosperity, and progress. Today, the 8,000 Peace Corps Volunteers serving in 76 developing countries continue to live out these ideals and demonstrate the enduring significance of the Peace Corps' founding.

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