Dean Ellis (1920 - 2009) "Life of JFK / Inception of Peace Corp" Signed lower right. Oil on Masonite. Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation. This painting was originally published on the First Day Cover for the Republic of the Marshall Islands 55c Peace Corps stamp issued May 29, 1995. While speaking at the University of Michigan, President John F. Kennedy initially proposed the idea of the Peace Corps. So enamored were the students with Kennedy's suggestion that they soon presented him with a petition listing several hundred individuals willing to volunteer. When Kennedy later spoke to Congress, the idea had crystallized: "I recommend to the Congress the establishment of a permanent Peace Corps, a pool of trained American men and women sent overseas by the U.S. Government or through private organizations and institutions to help foreign countries meet their urgent needs for skilled manpower. The initial emphasis of these programs will be on teaching." Kennedy went onto say that he opened other countries would join his cause and improve understanding among nations." Image Size: 11.5 x 14.75 in. Overall Size: 14 x 15.5 in. Unframed. (B15003)