As we celebrate the upcoming Golden Anniversary of the US Peace Corps as the globally serving US organization. We celebrate the many lives that the "Peace Corps Ambassadors of Goodwill" have touched and affected in the last 50 Years.
In October 14, 1960, then, Senator John F. Kennedy spoke to the students of University of Michigan and challenged them to serve their country in the cause of peace and by living and working in developing countries, of which inspired the creation of the Peace Corps.
In March 1, 1961 - President John F. Kennedy, signed the Executive Order 10924, the creation of the Peace Corps Act with a purpose;
"to promote world peace and friendship through a Peace Corps, which shall make available to interested countries and areas men and women of the United States qualified for service abroad and willing to serve, under conditions of hardship if necessary, to help the peoples of such countries and areas in meeting their needs for trained manpower, particularly in meeting the basic needs of those living in the poorest areas of such countries, and to help promote a better understanding of the American people on the part of the peoples served and a better understanding of other peoples on the part of the American people."
Today, Fifty years later - the US Peace Corps;
1. Currently Serving in 77 countries
2. 7,671 Volunteers and Trainees
3. 139 countries served
To read more statistical data about the activities of the Peace Corps, please visit Fast Facts Peace Corps:
Indeed, with great achievements, the Peace Corps have made a difference to many countries and their people across the world. It was a great opportunity to be a part of its mission and have worked in the Peace Corps.
There are more and more Americans today who are inspired in joining the Peace Corps.
President Obama promised to: "double the size of the Peace Corps from 7,800 volunteers to 16,000 by its 50th Anniversary in 2011".
As we move forward with the Peace Corps Torch, its light will shine further across the globe and communities afar.
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