Plainview, MN (KROC AM News) - Saturday will be a special day for Plainview, Minnesota and one of its former residents.

Saturday (Sept 22) will mark the 57th anniversary of the day Congress passed the Peace Corps Act.

Plainview native Ken Flies was one of the original volunteers to answer President Kennedy’s call to serve. When the Peace Corps was founded, his hometown had a population of 1,400 residents but the small town supplied four of the original 3,000 volunteers for the Peace Corps. Of that group, Flies is the only surviving member.

To celebrate its notable contribution, the first Peace Corps marker to be placed in the United States will be dedicated in Plainview during a ceremony scheduled to begin at 1 p.m. at the Great River Ridge Bike trailhead at the intersection Minnesota State Highway 42 and 3rd Street in Plainview.

Among those expected to join Flies at the event are Glen Blumhorst, President and CEO of the National Peace Corps Association and Hubert Humphrey IV, whose father played a key role in the creation of The Peace Corps.

Kenneth Flies book
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At the time of the marker’s conception, Flies was encouraged by the Minnesota Historical Society to write a memoir of his experience in the backlands of Brazil in the early days of the Peace Corps. His memoir Into the Backlands was released in July. Saturday’s event marks the public launch of the memoir. Following the dedication ceremony, a book signing event for Flies’ memoir will be held at the American Legion Hall in Plainview.

Those planning to attend the ceremony are encouraged to park at the American Legion building at the corner of 3rd Street and 4th Avenue.

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