‘Soldiers of peace’ should get the recognition they deserve

“… We do not want a war. We shall be prepared if others wish it. … But we shall also do our part to build a world of peace where the weak are safe and the strong are just. … Confident and unafraid, we labor on, not toward a strategy of annihilation, but toward a strategy of peace. John F. Kennedy June 10, 1963, American University

On October 14, 1960, candidate Kennedy spoke to a crowd of 10,000 at the University of Michigan and challenged the students to work and live overseas. He implored them to learn about other cultures, show others the values and mettle of the American people, and provide needed technical assistance. Two weeks later, he proposed “a Peace Corps of talented men and women” who would dedicate their lives to worldwide progress and peace. Peace Corps was established March 1, 1961.

Kennedy’s 1963 “Peace Speech” emphasized America should embark on a “strategy of peace” for all global citizens. Thus, implying the pursuit of peace and tolerance are key elements to promoting America and preventing war.

I was a Peace Corps Volunteer — PCV — in Ethiopia from 1973 to 1975. I taught math, science and English in a rural town 350 miles southwest of the Ethiopia’s capital Addis Ababa. I lived and worked with local teachers, spoke their language, ate local food, and thrived for over 2 years without running water or electricity. I learned about things so foreign I cannot even begin to explain them. But all my experiences, good and bad, enriched my life and set me on a lifelong path to help others. I am enormously grateful and proud to have served as a PCV (and 35 years later as a Peace Corps Country Director). I reported for duty as President Kennedy requested.

Interestingly, of the millions of Americans who have served in the military, only about 10% actually experience combat. Since 1961, approximately 240,000 Americans have served at least 2 years in the Peace Corps in 143 countries across the globe. They’ve worked in small villages teaching English, promoting health, agriculture, water and sanitation, youth safety, and economic development. All have lived with health and security risks, hardships, and loneliness. All have promoted America and American values. All have spread peace by example. All have been on the front lines of Kennedy’s vision.

Peace Corps Volunteers are “soldiers of peace” who have shown millions the fabric and heart of America. All should be recognized as patriots and veterans in every sense of those words. All should be on par with our brave military who have protected us throughout our history.

Today, I sound a clarion call for our nation to afford Peace Corps Volunteers the thanks and appreciation they most certainly deserve. We should acknowledge their duty and service, and further realize President Kennedy’s vision for peace he so eloquently put forth in 1963. As Kennedy said: “Peace is a rational end of rational men”.