mindy Woodhead
 
 
 
March 1, 1961 “The initial reactions to the Peace Corps proposal are convincing proof that we have, in this country, an immense reservoir of such men and women- anxious to sacrifice their energies and time and toil to the cause of world peace and human progress. We will only send abroad Americans who are wanted by the host country- who have a real job to do- and who are qualified to do that job. Programs will be developed with care, and after full negotiation, in order to make sure that the Peace Corps is wanted and will contribute to the welfare of other people. Our Peace Corps is not designed as an instrument of diplomacy or propaganda or ideological conflict. It is designed to permit our people to exercise more fully their responsibilities in the great common cause of world development. Life in the Peace Corps will not be easy…men and women will be expected to work and live alongside the nationals in the country in which they are stationed- doing the same work, eating the same food, and talking the same language. But if the life will not be easy, it will be rich and satisfying. 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 a freedom and a condition of peace.”
John F. Kennedy
Tuesday, December 25, 2007