Elizabeth Doughty Kane, 29, is one of 200 marchers who has been selected by the National Peace Corps Association and the Returned Peace Corps Volunteers of Washington, D.C., to represent Peace Corps volunteers around the world in the Presidential Inaugural Parade in Washington, D.C., on Jan. 20.
A Vienna native, Kane graduated from James Madison High School in 1997 before attending the University of Virginia and majoring in foreign affairs. She served in Malehice, Mozambique, as a teacher of English as a second language volunteer from 2001 to 2003. Kane is a second-generation volunteer. Her parents, Vienna residents Roger and Gail Doughty, were also Peace Corps volunteers, serving in Iran as a city planner and a teacher of English as a second language volunteer, respectively.
"I am thrilled to march in the inaugural parade, not only because of the historic nature of this election, but also to be representing the Peace Corps community."
In announcing the participation of the Peace Corps community and the AmeriCorps alums in the parade, President-elect Barack Obama said, "These organizations embody the best of our nation's history, diversity and commitment to service. Vice President-elect Joe Biden and I are proud to have them join us in the parade."
Representatives of the Peace Corps community have applied for each Inaugural Parade in recent history and last participated in 1997.
The marchers — who served in 93 countries — represented every decade of Peace Corps service and included original Peace Corps staff; former volunteers and staff; and currently serving volunteers.