FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Monday, February 21, 2011

Statement from Director Aaron S. Williams on Presidents Day

WASHINGTON D.C., Feb. 21, 2011The Peace Corps issues the following statement from Director Aaron S. Williams on Presidents Day:

On this Presidents Day, we honor the contributions of all our presidents who have helped define a legacy of service in Americas history.

We want to especially recognize John F. Kennedy, the founder of Peace Corps.

As the Peace Corps prepares to commemorate its 50th anniversary on March 1st, we remember the historic day that President Kennedy established Peace Corps by executive order in 1961.

Since then, more than 200,000 Americans have served in the Peace Corps in 139 countries. Today, we have more than 8,650 volunteers in 77 countries.

They help people build better lives for themselves and their communities. From AIDS education to emerging technologies to environmental preservation to income generating ideas, Peace Corps volunteers are making a difference in communities around the world.

This is the legacy of President Kennedys idea.

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