WHEREAS, the Peace Corps stands as a lasting symbol of America’s commitment to fostering progress, creating opportunity, strengthening communities around the world, and promoting America’s global competitiveness; and

WHEREAS, since its founding in 1961, approximately 250,000 Americans have served as Peace Corps volunteers in 144 countries; and

WHEREAS, over the past 65 years, 2_,_015 men and women from the State of Maine have answered the call to service by joining the Peace Corps; and

WHEREAS, Peace Corps volunteers have made meaningful and enduring contributions in areas such as agriculture, community economic development, education, environment, health, and youth in development – improving lives and strengthening communities worldwide; and

WHEREAS, through their service, Peace Corps volunteers build bonds of friendship and understanding between the people of the United States and those of other nations; and

WHEREAS, upon returning home, these volunteers demonstrate an enduring commitment to public and private sector service, and share their experience, valuable leadership, management, communication, and intercultural skills, enriching communities across our state and nation; and

WHEREAS, it is fitting to recognize the achievements of the Peace Corps and honor its volunteers, past and present, while reaffirming our nation’s commitment to empowering people to help themselves;

NOW, THEREFORE, be it resolved that I, Janet Mills, Governor of the State of Maine, do hereby proclaim March 1-7, 2026 as

Peace Corps Week

throughout the State of Maine, and I encourage all citizens to join in celebrating the contributions of Peace Corps volunteers and the ideals of service they represent.

In testimony whereof, I have caused the Great Seal of the State to be hereunto affixed GIVEN under my hand at Augusta this twenty fifth day of February Two Thousand Twenty-Six