Former U.S. Ambassador Heather M. Hodges Speeches

Ambassador Hodges' remarks at the Swearing-In of the 17th Class of Peace Corps Volunteers

17 November 2005; 1100am; National Opera Hall

Ambassador Hodges' remarks at the Swearing-In of the 17th Class of Peace Corps Volunteers

Good morning Minister Gorodenco, ladies and gentlemen, and Peace Corps Volunteers. I am pleased to be here today to help swear in the 17th group of Peace Corps Volunteers to come to Moldova since this program began in 1993.

President John F. Kennedy started the Peace Corps in 1961. That same year he also set the goal of sending a man to the moon. In the years that followed, the United States has sent 250 men and women into space, and landed twelve of those on the moon. And we have launched 178,000 men and women, young and old, overseas as Peace Corps Volunteers.

The last time we landed an astronaut on the moon was 1973. With that dream fulfilled, our nation moved on to other priorities. But we are still sending Peace Corps Volunteers to work in countries such as Moldova, because President Kennedy's other goal -- to increase understanding between nations, to have people work in cooperation, and to live in peace -- that dream is never-ending.

Each succeeding president, every Congress, has taken up the torch that he lit, and carried it forward. Through 44 years, Peace Corps has remained a priority for every United States Administration, and it remains so today.

Moldova has dreams as well. Dreams of a well-functioning democracy, and of a strong economy with good jobs, where young people can raise their families in cities and towns such as Chisinau and Cahul, and in small communities such as Nisporeni and Glodeni and Saratenii Vechi. Dreams of building a good life for their children. Peace Corps is here to help in the pursuit of those dreams.

In 1969 astronaut Neil Armstrong said that he was taking "One small step for man, one giant leap for mankind." Today the new Volunteers sitting before us will take the first of many small steps. [Turn to the Volunteers.] Every day as you do your new jobs, every relationship you develop, is another small but important step towards achieving Peace Corps' goals -- and Moldova's goals. Peace Corps is not in the business of giant leaps, of expensive rockets, or of televised moon walks. Your work is incremental, and oftentimes difficult to see, but your efforts do make a difference.

On behalf of the United States Government, and all the people you will meet and work with in the next two years, thank you for coming to Moldova. As you look up at the moon in the clear Moldovan skies, shining on the farmlands and rooftops of your villages, remember that our greatest work is here on Earth, person to person, one day at a time. The moon has always inspired dreamers. May it inspire your efforts here as well.

Thank you -- and good luck.