Landmark September Events

Home > Peace Corps 50th Anniversary > Landmark September Events

Overview
Landmark September Events
Enterprise Solutions to Poverty Contest
50th Press Kit

50th Anniversary of the Peace Corps Weekend was Amazing!

The National Peace Corps Association was honored to play a significant role in the 50th Anniversary of the Peace Corps.

September 22, 2011 marked the 50th Anniversary of the signing of the Peace Corps Act in Congress by John F. Kennedy.

This milestone celebrated the Peace Corps community’s accomplishments and gave us all an opportunity to reflect on how each one of us can continue to exemplify the Peace Corps mission and spirit. NPCA looks forward to advancing community ties and service well into the future through its 50th Anniversary activities.

Post Photos

If you attended any of the events below or your own Reunions, please add photos to the National Peace Corps Association Flickr site here. That way, we can share the memories!

Purchase Photos

The Peace Corps Community created memories that will last a lifetime. Purchase high quality professional photos of the September 50th Anniversary events in Washington, DC – these photos make wonderful gifts for yourself or a friend. You can even create mugs, greeting cards, or large posters of your favorite photos.

Purchase Photos Now

Quick Links

Technology Tools
Map of Events
Key Events
Who Attended
Merchandise
Frequently Asked Questions

Key Event Highlights

Group Activities, September 22-25, 2011

Member group events (receptions, lunches, dinners, and get togethers), staff reunions, and other special events and celebrations were ongoing throughout the entire weekend. NPCA’s events were designed for flexible attendance, so that you could host member and country specific activities throughout the weekend.

NPCA Advocacy Day Thursday, September 22, 2011

Advocacy Day: 50 years to the day of Congressional passage of the Peace Corps Act, NPCA advocates joined together for a full day of congressional meetings, a rally on the grounds of the Capitol featuring notable political figures, an end-of-day event and more!

Couldn’t join us in DC? Make plans to contact the offices of your Senators and Representatives throughout the year. We post action details on the advocacy news section of our website.

NPCA Service Day Friday, September 23, 2011

This day began with an opening ceremony at one of the site locations in Washington, DC and was followed by over 300 volunteers serving at over 20 locations throughout the DC metro region. Couldn’t join us in DC? Show your Peace Corps pride by participating in a service activity in your local or global community.

Peace Corps at the Washington Nationals Baseball Game

The Peace Corps agency reserved sections 101 to 107 at the reduced price of $16 per ticket for a fun, family-oriented night out to celebrate the 50th Anniversary. The first pitch was thrown by the Director of Peace Corps, Aaron Williams. National Peace Corps Association staff attended and represented the Peace Corps Community.

NPCA Administrative Meetings Saturday, September 24

Saturday began with NPCA’s Board of Director’s Meeting, Annual General Meeting and Group Leaders Forum. At these meetings the Community learned about more about NPCA’s programs and how the staff and volunteer leadership work to meet the organization’s goals. These meetings were open to the public and were held at Shriver Hall at Peace Corps Headquarters, 1111 20th Street, NW, Washington, DC 20036.

Conversations: The Future of Peace Corps Saturday, September 24, 2011

How will the Peace Corps community continue to grow and strive for a world of peace and prosperity for the next 50 years? A panel of thought leaders and global figures discussed their experiences with the Peace Corps and other pressing topics with the community at the National Theater in Washington, DC, 1321 Pennsylvania Ave, NW, Washington, DC 20004. The second session will featured competitive proposals for a global community project. Two pre-screened projects were presented to the audience for review and questions. The audience voted for the most deserving project and that project will be awarded with a grant that day.

Moderator:

Bill Moyers – first deputy director of the Peace Corps, leading American journalist and public commentator

Panelists:

Atiku Abubakar – former Vice President of Nigeria (1999-2007) and Founder of the American University of Nigeria

Dr. Ashraf Ghani Ahmadzai – former Finance Minister and 2009 Presidential Candidate in Afghanistan

Alejandro Toledo – former President of Peru

This article was published after the event, “Why the US Peace Corps is proud of Atiku Abubakar”

The Promise of the Peace Corps Gala Saturday, September 24, 2011

Saturday culminated with a formal Gala at the Ronald Reagan International Trade Building to celebrate the past 50 years of the Peace Corps and energize the community for the next 50 years. NPCA was honored to have Chris Matthews, Host of Hardball and RPCV Swaziland as the event emcee.

Purchase Gala photos of speakers here

Purchase Gala photos of reception here

Arlington National Cemetery Presentation & Walk of Flags, Sunday, September 25, 2011

Sunday’s activities included a sequence of events sponsored by the Returned Peace Corps Volunteers of Washington, DC. Peace Corps Director Aaron Williams, former US Senator Chris Dodd, Ceremony Director Maureen Orth Russert, and thousands of fellow Peace Corps volunteers honored those who died in Peace Corps service, and honored the legacies of Sargent Shriver and President John F. Kennedy. The activities began at 10:00am with a program at the Arlington National Cemetery Amphitheater.

At noon, the formal presentation was followed by the opportunity to walk with Country of Service flags across the Memorial Bridge to the Lincoln Memorial.

Purchase Amphitheater photos here

Who Attended the Washington, DC events?

Attendees by Country of Service

Attendees by Last Name

For corrections or changes, please email Khalisa Jacobs.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have additional questions about the special September events in Washington, DC, please read:

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

National Peace Corps Association