WASHINGTON, D.C., December 13, 2002—To commemorate the 42nd anniversary of the founding of the Peace Corps, Peace Corps Director Gaddi H. Vasquez announced that the sixth annual Peace Corps Day will be held on Friday, February 28, 2003. The Peace Corps is asking former volunteers from across the country to once again become involved in this national celebration.

On Peace Corps Day, former volunteers will be visiting classrooms, community organizations, and workplaces throughout the United States to share their experiences in developing countries. U.S. students will also participate in telephone conversations with currently serving volunteers working in dozens of countries around the world.

Last year, more than 6,000 former Peace Corps volunteers visited elementary schools, secondary schools, and colleges and universities throughout the United States. Nearly 500,000 students heard from a former volunteer.


Since 1961, more than 165,000 volunteers have served in the Peace Corps, working in such diverse fields as education, health and HIV/AIDS education, information technology, business development, the environment, and agriculture. Peace Corps volunteers must be U.S. citizens and at least 18 years of age. Peace Corps service is a two-year commitment.