Scores of memorials in Washington, DC, honor America’s historic events, patriotic leaders and the millions of individuals who have served and sacrificed at home and overseas in defense of our country and freedom.
Yet absent in the heart of the nation’s capital is a commemorative work about a different manifestation of America’s history,
about this country’s enduring ideals and values
symbolized by Peace Corps service.
IT’S TIME TO TELL THE REST OF AMERICA’S STORY
With compassion, generosity, perseverance and respect,
Americans reach out to transcend boundaries.
Through volunteer service Americans help protect the environment, improve public health, better educate children and adults, increase economic productivity and security, eliminate hunger, achieve social justice and promote peace.
Mutual understanding, commitment and collaboration have enabled us to work together to meet these challenges.
Americans and peoples of other nations must continue working together
to meet these challenges, just as Peace Corps volunteers began doing in 1961.
Images: Courtesy of The Peace Corps
MORE THAN EVER, NOW IS THE TIME
to create this commemorative work
honoring America’s ideals and values, reminding us of
the world’s and the nation’s daunting challenges
and inspiring us to meet these challenges.
Help us raise the $7 million still needed
to complete design development and build Peace Corps Park,
dedicated to inspiring others to making a better world and promoting peace.
Peace Corps Park will welcome and invite visitors to reflect on a different manifestation of the nation’s historic ideals, values and experiences exemplified by Peace Corps service.
An Evocative Commemorative Design, A Welcoming Park Setting
The U.S. Commission of Fine Arts (CFA) voted unanimously to approve
the Peace Corps Commemorative design concept.
Reaching Out to the World
Three granite benches with outreaching hands embrace the plaza and
its world map. The hands express giving and receiving, teaching and learning from others.
Visitors will stroll, gather and relax in the park as they contemplate, share and experience this unique commemorative work that more fully tells America’s story within the National Capital landscape, inspiring them to carry on the American tradition of volunteer service.
These photos of plaster casts show how the individual shaping of the three outreaching hands was an essential step for sculptor Larry Kirkland in designing this unique commemorative.
At the Heart of the Nation’s Capital
Peace Corps Park will stand on a triangular site in the heart of Washington, DC, near the U.S. Capitol and National Mall.
Bounded by 1st Street NW on the west and C Street NW on the north, the site faces Louisiana Avenue NW opposite Taft Park. Union Station, the city’s major transportation terminal, is three blocks away at the north end of Louisiana Avenue.
The National Park Service will maintain Peace Corps Park in perpetuity.