Whereas, The Peace Corps has become an enduring symbol of our nation’s
commitment to encourage progress, create opportunity and expand development at
the grass-roots level in the developing world, and,
Whereas, More than 168,000 Americans have served as Peace Corps Volunteers
in 136 countries since 1961, and,
Whereas, Over the past 42 years 4,969 men and women from the State of Michigan
have responded to our nation’s call to serve by joining the Peace Corps,
and,
Whereas, Peace Corps Volunteers have made significant and lasting contributions
around the world in agriculture, business development, education, health and
the environment, and have improved the lives of individuals and communities
around the world, and,
Whereas, Peace Corps Volunteers have strengthened the ties of friendship and
understanding between the people of the United States and those of other countries,
and,
Whereas, Peace Corps Volunteers, enriched by their experiences overseas, have
brought their communities throughout the United States a deeper understanding
of other cultures and traditions, thereby bringing a domestic dividend to our
nation, and,
Whereas, Indeed it is fitting to recognize the achievements of the Peace Corps
and to honor its Volunteers, past and present, and to reaffirm our country’s
commitment to helping people help themselves throughout the world, now therefore
be it
Resolved, That I, Jennifer M. Granholm, Governor of Michigan do hereby
proclaim February 28, 2003, as Peace Corps Day throughout the State of Michigan.