WASHINGTON, D.C., March 4, 2003 – In honor of the Peace Corps’ 42nd Anniversary, President George W. Bush issued a letter to all Peace Corps volunteers and staff, past and present, to applaud the great work the agency has accomplished since its beginning in 1961.

During his 2002 State of the Union address, President Bush called on all Americans to devote 4,000 hours or two years over a lifetime to volunteer service either domestically or abroad. In announcing his plan to strengthen the Peace Corps, President Bush said “A spirit of sacrifice and service gave birth to the Peace Corps more than 40 years ago. We needed the Peace Corps then, and we need the Peace Corps today.”

Read the President’s letter.

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