Speech at the National Peace Corps Association Reception

"Your service in “The Peace Corps” is testimony to your belief that we are all brothers and sisters in the world, united in our common humanity."
Washington D.C. • November 12, 2003

I AM SORRY I CANNOT BE WITH YOU THIS EVENING.

Your presence, your lives, inspire me.

Your service in “The Peace Corps” is testimony to your belief that we are all brothers and sisters in the world, united in our common humanity. Your continued interest in the work of “The Peace Corps”, and each day, through your own lives in the search for a better world would have made it an honor for me to be with you this evening. Some of you have heard me speak on many occasions over the years, therefore, my message is brief,-- In the beginning of “The Peace Corps” we risked everything in a leap of Faith that the Volunteers would respond favorably to our call for Peace. And you did not let us down! You rose to the occasion. You made “The Peace Corps” the success it has been over the last 42 years.

So in this new Century we must strengthen and add to the numbers of “Peace Corps Volunteers” overseas. We must deploy the idealism of America’s citizens against the fanatical haters of America. If we do see we will see our “Peace Corps” become our nation’s most effective anti-terrorism program and the creator of a world finally capable of achieving the universal, cherished “dream of peace”.

Our goal is not just the survival of America — it is the survival of our whole planet. When our deeds match our ideals, we will be living life as it ought to be lived. This is not just an American dream — it is a universal need.

That is the challenge which we all face. That is the task which “Returned Peace Corps Volunteers” have ahead of them, -- to take their “Peace Corps” experience and create a “New World of Peace” for everyone, everywhere.

I, for one, have no doubt that you will meet that challenge.

Peace requires the simple but powerful recognition that what we have in common as human beings is more important and crucial than what divides us.
RSSPCportrait
Sargent Shriver
Get the Quote of the Week in Your Inbox