Daniel Inouye: “on March 1, 1961, President Kennedy signed an Executive order that established the Peace Corps whose mission would be to…”

“on March 1, 1961, President Kennedy signed an Executive order that established the Peace Corps whose mission would be to promote peace, mutual understanding, and friendship between Americans and the people of the world. Back then, the world was viewed as engaged in a cold war with the United States and its allies pitted against the Communist bloc. President Kennedy envisioned the Peace Corps as an agency that would create opportunities for Americans to reach out to the rest of the world, and make positive contributions to community development and nation-building overseas. As we celebrate the Peace Corps's 45th anniversary, all Americans can be proud of what the agency has accomplished and continues to do. Through its hardworking and committed volunteers who now number nearly 8,000, the Peace Corps provides assistance today in 138 host countries in such fields as education, healthcare, environmental preservation, and business development. Last year, the Peace Corps's Crisis Corps Volunteers helped with rebuilding efforts in tsunami-ravaged areas of Sri Lanka and Thailand. And, for the first time in its history, volunteers were deployed at home as approximately 270 volunteers assisted with recovery efforts along the U.S. gulf coast in the aftermath of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. I am also proud to report that the Peace Corps continues to attract Volunteers from Hawaii.…”