Sargent Shriver Quotes
A collection of quotes by Sargent Shriver.
Sargent Shriver (1915-2011) was an influential American politician, diplomat, and activist. Born Robert Sargent Shriver Jr. on November 9, 1915, in Westminster, Maryland, he came from a prominent political family. He was the driving force behind the creation of several key governmental programs and played a crucial role in shaping America's domestic policies.
Shriver served as the Director of the Peace Corps, an organization he helped establish under President John F. Kennedy's administration in 1961. This initiative aimed to send young Americans abroad to work on development projects and promote cross-cultural understanding. Shriver's leadership led to the exponential growth of the Peace Corps, making it a significant force for international aid and volunteerism.
Beyond his work with the Peace Corps, Shriver was also instrumental in the launch of the Head Start program, a comprehensive early childhood education initiative. He served as the first Director of the Office of Economic Opportunity during President Lyndon B. Johnson's War on Poverty, where he oversaw the implementation of various strategies to combat poverty and inequality.
Throughout his career, Shriver sought to promote social justice and equal rights. He was a vocal advocate for individuals with intellectual disabilities and collaborated with his wife, Eunice Kennedy Shriver, to establish the Special Olympics, an international sports competition for athletes with intellectual disabilities.
Sargent Shriver's contributions to public service, his dedication to improving the lives of others, and his commitment to social change continue to inspire generations of activists and public servants. He passed away on January 18, 2011, leaving behind a remarkable legacy of compassion and progressive leadership.
