This message from the NPCA Advocacy listserv:

The Returned Peace Corps community is deeply shocked and saddened by yesterday's attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon. We mourn the terrible loss of life and grieve with the families who have suffered the death or injury of loved ones or terrible uncertainty about their fate.

With these events coming little more than a week before the opening of the National Peace Corps Association's national conference, which celebrates the 40th Anniversary of the Peace Corps, many are asking about the impact on our plans. We wish to emphasize that we have determined to go ahead with our Conference. The celebration of peace and international outreach which our Conference stands for is even more important now than it was before these tragic events. Even as our government seeks to determine responsibility for the attacks and an appropriate response, Return Peace Corps Volunteers, present and former staff and friends of the Peace Corps will stand together to convey their message of peace and positive American involvement in the developing countries..

As one of our members convalescing after cancer surgery wrote yesterday,

My gut reaction to today's events and the 40th celebration is to affirm how important the Peace Corps is in building understanding among people, people who may start out thinking they have absolutely nothing in common, learn otherwise, and are completely changed. How lucky we have been to have such rich life experiences.

We are examining with city and federal authorities any adjustments to our 40th Anniversary program which may be necessary because of security and will communicate those changes to you on our website and through our listservs.

Dane Smith, President, NPCA
September 12, 2001