PEACE CORPS CREATED BY EXECUTIVE ORDER 53 YEARS AGO TODAY
Washington, D.C. (JFK+50) President John F. Kennedy signed Executive Order #10924 53 years ago today, March 1, 1961, creating the Peace Corps.
Although JFK first talked about the possibility of a Peace Corps during his presidential campaign in 1960, a bill had previously been introduced in the United States Senate by Hubert H. Humphrey (D) Minnesota in 1957.
President Kennedy saw the corps as both a means of giving young Americans to answer his call to service "...ask what you can do for your country" and to counter anti-American viewpoints around the world.
JFK's brother-in-law, Sargent Shriver, would be appointed the first director of the Peace Corps.
Within just 2 years, the organization would have 7300 volunteers serving in 44 countries.
YANKEE SLUGGER MICKEY MANTLE RETIRES
New York City (JFK+50) Mickey Mantle, who made his debut for the New York Yankees in right field in 1951, retired from Major League Baseball 45 years ago today, March 1, 1969.
Mantle, born in Spavinaw, Oklahoma on October 20, 1931, dominated the American League for more than a decade.
In 1956, he won baseball's "Triple Crown" for the highest batting average, most home runs and most runs batted in.
The Mick died at the age of 63 in Dallas, Texas in 1995. He was made a member of the Hall of Fame in 1974.
Washington, D.C. (JFK+50) President John F. Kennedy signed Executive Order #10924 53 years ago today, March 1, 1961, creating the Peace Corps.
Although JFK first talked about the possibility of a Peace Corps during his presidential campaign in 1960, a bill had previously been introduced in the United States Senate by Hubert H. Humphrey (D) Minnesota in 1957.
President Kennedy saw the corps as both a means of giving young Americans to answer his call to service "...ask what you can do for your country" and to counter anti-American viewpoints around the world.
Arlene Riley of Cal State Fullerton
Peace Corps Volunteer
Teaching art in Upper Volta
JFK's brother-in-law, Sargent Shriver, would be appointed the first director of the Peace Corps.
Within just 2 years, the organization would have 7300 volunteers serving in 44 countries.
JFK greeting Peace Corps volunteers
JFK Library Photo
New York City (JFK+50) Mickey Mantle, who made his debut for the New York Yankees in right field in 1951, retired from Major League Baseball 45 years ago today, March 1, 1969.
Mantle, born in Spavinaw, Oklahoma on October 20, 1931, dominated the American League for more than a decade.
In 1956, he won baseball's "Triple Crown" for the highest batting average, most home runs and most runs batted in.
The Mick died at the age of 63 in Dallas, Texas in 1995. He was made a member of the Hall of Fame in 1974.
