On this day over 52 years ago, John F. Kennedy first mentioned the idea of the Peace Corps to spread the idea of democracy and American values worldwide.
This event marked a transition in American foreign policy for the period, instead of immediately going to war, Kennedy introduced the idea of America making its values known around the world so that another war based on misunderstanding of culture could never happen again. Because of this seemingly radical idea at the time along with other factors, we live in the so-called "American Century" where American ideals of democracy and freedom have spread to nations that could have never had an example for their own democracy. Through dedicated volunteers, our country is understood by almost all citizens of the world while the experiences that the volunteers gain when abroad can help us understand the world around us. I personally have had experience talking to a Peace Corps volunteer and without her firsthand knowledge of the nation of Benin, I probably would have never cared even to research this small country in West Africa where she provided sanitation education as well as spread the ideas of local elections. I can say with great certainty that this event has not only affected my life, but the lives of every world citizen in a very positive way.
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