Sam Farr: “I rise today as one of the six returned Peace Corps volunteers now serving in the House, and I rise in support of House…”

“I rise today as one of the six returned Peace Corps volunteers now serving in the House, and I rise in support of House Resolution 158, recognizing the Peace Corps' 35th anniversary. President Kennedy created this international service organization 35 years ago to promote international goodwill. During his powerful inaugural address, he challenged Americans with, "Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country," and many of them, including myself at that time, responded to that call and joined the Peace Corps in the early 1960's. Today, there are currently 7,000 Americans working as Peace Corps volunteers. The average age in 1961, when President Kennedy made his call, was 22 years of age. Today, in 1996, the average age is 29 years old. Over 500 volunteers are over the age of 50.”