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UPDATED: 16 Jan 2008 GMT
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Speeches 2006

Peace Corps Volunteers Swearing In Ceremony

Venue: Forest Hill Secondary School, Morogoro, Tanzania

November 29, 2006


Remarks by Deputy Chief of Mission D. Purnell Delly

It is a pleasure for me to be here to witness your graduation from this intensive training program. Ambassador Retzer asked me to stand in for him; he sincerely wanted to be here, but unfortunately had a conflict in his schedule. He asked me to extend his best wishes to all of you and a hearty congratulations on this special day.

In creating the Peace Corps on October 10, 1961, President Kennedy asked Americans to journey abroad not as tourists, but as global citizens. He envisioned Volunteers becoming members of communities in far off distant lands showing people of different nations that Americans were committed to cultural exchange, to the advancement of people everywhere and to freedom for all.

This is the 45th anniversary year of the Peace Corps, and after nearly half a century, we celebrate the more than 185,000 Peace Corps Volunteers who have lived that vision and created a legacy of service at home and abroad in 138 countries around the world. Today you join the ranks of those Volunteers that have served and became part of this great legacy to humankind called Peace Corps. With this group of Volunteers here today, the Peace Corps is completing its 35th year of service in Tanzania.

Today, relations between the United States and Tanzania are dynamic and based on mutual respect. With a shared commitment to common interests such as economic development, education, and the fight against poverty, the bonds between our two countries have continued to strengthen. The U.S. and Tanzania work closely together on a wide spectrum of issues, including counter-terrorism, the fight against HIV/AIDs and malaria, increasing economic growth and development, and strengthening democracy. To achieve these goals, we must take one step at a time, accomplishing specific objectives incrementally to allow us to move forward together.

The road ahead of you will bring many challenges. For most of you, I am certain you are here today to fulfill a desire to serve. Do not underestimate this powerful sentiment. In a country that has a great need for teachers, especially in the fields of math, the sciences and Information Technology, you will most definitely be influencing young minds. Many Tanzanians, not to mention other host country nationals in which I have served as a diplomat, have shared with me that a Peace Corps teacher influenced them in their formative years. The Prime Minister of Tanzania himself, has expressed to me his great affection for a Volunteer that made a difference in his life when he was growing up.

Throughout your service, you will come across challenges that will make you question whether or not you will make a difference. Trust me. You all will make a difference. So when you are confronted with everyday challenges, keep in mind the broader perspective that you are influencing the next generation of Tanzanian leaders.

I am here today to thank you on behalf of your fellow Americans for becoming true Ambassadors and for representing the best face of America to Tanzania. I am often humbled by the great and courageous work I know you will do as Volunteers in Tanzania.

I would also like to take this opportunity to thank the entire Peace Corps staff, home stay families and members of the Morogoro community. All of you have worked so very hard to prepare these trainees to become Volunteers today. Without your assistance, this day would not be possible. Go well, and know that you are following in the footsteps of 185,000 great Americans, and know that each day, through your hard work and service, you are making the United States a very proud nation!

Asanteni sana kwa kua hapa leo.