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John F. Kennedy: Autograph Note. ...
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Description
John F. Kennedy: Autograph Note. One page, 8" x 12.5", Washington; February 24, 1961. A handwritten note on the president's typed agenda for the day, reading, in full, "5:00 Sarge Shrive = Peace Corps." Accompanied by a letter of provenance by Kennedy's private secretary, Evelyn Lincoln, offering further contextualization.One of Kennedy's proposals during his 1960 presidential campaign was the creation of a Peace Corps. The note written here marks Kennedy's first meeting with Robert Sargent Shriver where Shriver agreed to help establish the organization on a voluntary basis. Lincoln notes, "Then on March 1, 1961 Kennedy created the Peace Corps by Executive Order before even requesting enabling legislation from Congress, with the result that the Peace Corps was in full operation by the time the legislation passed some six months later - on September 22, 1961. Sarge Shriver was the Director."
The idea of the Peace Corps was born from American rivalries with the U.S.S.R. during the Cold War. According to Kennedy, the Soviet Union had thousands of medical professionals, scientists, and educators willing to travel internationally to spread the message of communism. He believed that the United States should establish a similar program aimed at promoting global democracy, development, and freedom. Though Shriver was reluctant to take charge of the organization, he hired talented and motivated staff that allowed the program to launch only months after its inception. As of today, the Peace Corps serves in over sixty countries around the world.
Condition: Lightly toned with pen notations above Kennedy's note.
Auction Info
2023 November 13 - 14 Americana & Political Signature Auction Signature® Auction #6276 (go to Auction Home page)
Auction Dates
November, 2023
13th-14th
Monday-Tuesday
Bids + Registered Phone Bidders: 2
Lot Tracking Activity: N/A
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