Madam Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to the Peace Corps, one of the most important and worthy institutions our country has ever established. More than 190,000 Americans have served as Peace Corps Volunteers since its inception in 1961 by President John F. Kennedy, who inspired Americans to serve their country in the cause of peace by living and working in developing countries. I am proud that 34 of my constituents are currently serving as Volunteers in a number of countries around the world, and I wish them well in their worthwhile endeavors.
The Peace Corps brings out the best of the American character. It demonstrates to the rest of the world, where misconceptions of the United States are too often prevalent, that we are a caring people, interested in the well-being of mankind. The Volunteers live in the communities in which they serve by working as teachers and development experts, and they assist in post-conflict relief and reconstruction efforts and health care crises, such as the HIV/AIDS pandemic.
With the break-up of the former Soviet Union and the emergence of many new states around the world, Peace Corps Volunteers are serving in more countries than ever before. Volunteers learn more than 250 languages and dialects, and they receive extensive cross-cultural training that enables them to work effectively. In many remote places, they are often the only contact that villagers have with Americans. Our country owes the Peace Corps Volunteers, who often work under very difficult circumstances, a debt of gratitude for their service that has improved the image of our country overseas and improved the lives of millions of people around the globe.