Peace Corps Pioneers
As another Minnesotan who joined the Peace Corps in 1962, this account of Peace Corps Pioneers brought back so many…
Inscription
In 1961 President John F. Kennedy established the US Peace Corps, concept originally proposed by Minnesota Senator Hubert H. Humphrey. The Peace Corps was created from the President’s call to “Ask not what your country can do for you but what you can do for your country.” Among the first Peace Corps Volunteers answering the President’s call in 1962 and completing their tours in 1964 were Plainview area residents: Kenneth Fliés serving in Brazil, Philip Mahle in Sierra Leone, Walter Mischke in Venezuela and Charles Rheingans in Thailand.
“I was present at the creation, when the bright flame of conviction took hold in the imagination of the country and the Peace Corps became a promise fulfilled.” – Journalist Bill Moyers
In 1962 there were some 25,000 incorporated cities and towns in America, many with populations in the tens of thousands versus Plainview with a population of only 1,400. The fact that four of these first Volunteers in 1962 came from this small rural town and area in America speaks to the uniqueness of the community’s citizens, institutions and culture at that time in American history. By 2014, 215,000
Volunteers had served in more than 139 countries.
“It [Peace Corps] has been an enduring American legacy of service in the cause of peace, a timeless symbol of some of America’s most honorable ideals and aspirations.” – Historian Doris Kearns Goodwin
Commemorating the 50th Anniversary of Service
• • •
Erected by National Peace Corps Association.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Charity & Public Work. A significant historical year for this entry is 1961.
Location. 44° 9.535′ N, 92° 10.176′ W. Marker is in Plainview, Minnesota, in Wabasha County. Marker is at the intersection of 3rd Street Southwest and South Wabasha Street (Minnesota Route 42), on the right when traveling south on 3rd Street Southwest. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Plainview MN 55964, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 4 other markers are within 16 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Millville, Minnesota (approx. 8.6 miles away); Geology of Minnesota (approx. 9.6 miles away); Before The Freeways (approx. 15.1 miles away); Medical Pioneers of Minnesota (approx. 15.1 miles away).
Photographed By Dave Buchanan, 2024 Peace Corps Pioneers Marker 2
A wonderful reminder of a small town’s commitment to world peace!
Cool!
As another Minnesotan who joined the Peace Corps in 1962, this account of Peace Corps Pioneers brought back so many memories! I’ve shared some of the experiences in my recently published book (2023): YET TO BE REVEALED: FINDING PATHS TO MEANING.
As a 16-year-old in 1956, I participated in a county-wide 4-H radio speaking contest, and, to my surprise, I placed first!
Within weeks, I was invited to meet Senator Hubert Humphrey, who honored statewide contest winners at a banquet in St.Paul, Minnesota’s capitol. Of course I did not know then that our senator would be introducing future legislation leading to the formation of the Peace Corps. But his enthusiasm for the potential of young people to contribute to a global community fueled my passion to see the world!
As I sorted through boxes of memorabilia while writing my recent book, I was stunned to find my original typewritten essay that led to that meeting with Senator Humphrey. Also I found the Western Union Telegram from Sargent Shriver that changed my life in early March 1962! It reads:
I AM HAPPY TO INFORM YOU THAT YOU HAVE BEEN SELECTED TO ENTER TRAINING FOR A PEACE CORPS BOLIVIA PROJECT. PLEASE WIRE COLLECT REGARDING YOUR AVAILABILITY AS SOON AS YOU HAVE RECEIVED ADDITIONAL MATERIALS,
ATTN: BOLIVIA PROJECT, SELECTION DIVISION, PEACE CORPS, WASHINGTON 25, D.C.
ROBERT SARGENT SHRIVER JR.
That telegram led to my lifelong pursuit of purpose and meaning…
Geri Marr Burdman RPCV Bolivia 1962-1964