• His Story

    Sargent Shriver was an American peace builder, political leader and activist. He was the first leader of the Peace Corps under President John F. Kennedy. The husband of Eunice Kennedy Shriver, he was also a beloved father.

    Read More About Sargent Shriver's Life

  • Memories of Sarge

    While writing his biography of Sargent Shriver, Scott Stossel had an awakening. Moved by Shriver's work, he felt pushed to work harder, to do more, to dream bigger about working for peace and social justice.

    The Author's Moving Tribute to His Hero

  • Civil Rights

    Sargent Shriver deeply supported the civil rights movement throughout his life. He played a key role in integrating Chicago schools in the 1950s, and encouraged John F. Kennedy to support Martin Luther King, Jr. in the 1960s.

    His Fight for Society's Oppressed

  • Politics and Policy

    John F. Kennedy leaned on him; Lyndon Johnson relied on him. Sargent Shriver's political work for both Presidents was historic, groundbreaking and impactful - and shaped the political landscape of America today.

    Programs He Led -- and Made Successful

  • Peace Corps

    When President Kennedy needed a leader to help establish the Peace Corps, he turned to Sargent Shriver -- who responded by bringing the program to life, almost overnight. That same energy and commitment live on today.

    The Story of the Peace Corps in Photographs

  • War On Poverty

    As the Director of the War on Poverty under President Lyndon Johnson, Sargent Shriver helped to create a variety of programs - including Head Start, Job Corps, and VISTA - that continue to serve Americans today.

    His Pioneering Work in Fighting Poverty

  • Special Olympics

    Today, Special Olympics is active in 170 countries - thanks, in large part, to the tireless efforts of Sargent Shriver, who believed the organization could be an agent of change, as well as an agent of peace.

    His Work as an Ambassador of Change

  • Tower of Service

    First and foremost, Sargent Shriver was a public servant - to his country, to the world and to his family. Throughout his life, he challenged Americans to serve. Now, with his passing, Shriver challenges us again - to serve, serve, serve.

    Learn More About Shriver's History of Service

  • Spirituality

    Sargent Shriver's spirituality and faith in God cannot be separated from his work and life. He was a faithful, devoted Catholic who served in politics and law; he personally believed we must all be servants to fully express our love for God.

    Learn More About Shriver's Spirituality

  • The Shriver Family

    To Sargent Shriver, almost everything in life was a family affair, but no group of people was as dear to him as his family at home -- his wife Eunice and their five children, Bobby, Maria, Timothy, Mark, and Anthony.

    Their Love Shows in Touching Family Photos

  • Peace Institute

    The Sargent Shriver Peace Institute was founded to serve a big idea - that by paying attention to his achievements, we could advance peacekeeping, not just in the U.S., but abroad.

    How Shriver's Work Guides the Peace Institute

  • Shriver Center

    Established in 1993 in honor of Eunice Kennedy Shriver and Sargent Shriver, the Shriver Center has transformed the lives of thousands. Its mission: Create a new generation of leaders who can affect policy on a national level.

    Learn More About The Shriver Center

  • Poverty Law

    The Sargent Shriver National Center on Poverty Law is dedicated to Shriver's goal of providing fair and equal access - including legal services - to low-income people and communities. Today, the Center continues to advocate on behalf of these groups.

    Vision Behind the Center on Poverty Law

  • In His Words

    Words are powerful tools - to motivate, to inspire, and to encourage - and no one wielded words the way Sargent Shriver did. A highly gifted public speaker, he always knew the right turn of phrase to captivate his audience.

    His Most Inspiring and Powerful Quotes

  • American Idealist

    The film "American Idealist: The Story of Sargent Shriver" tells the story of his life as a public servant, and also documents how critical events in modern American history - from the Depression through the Vietnam War - shaped his worldview.

    A Deeper Look at This Unique Film

RECENT TRIBUTES

I gladly continue your legacy in the fight on the war on poverty.

Paul Shipp | Posted on October 12, 2011

Happy Father's Day Sarge! From all the children, all over the world

Roger | Posted on June 18, 2011

I been in the special olympics for 27 years. I love the Shriver family. let them rest in peace.

Jeanette Finn | Posted on April 26, 2011

I AM AN APOSTLE OF SARGE!

Justice Jim Sharp | Posted on March 21, 2011

Thank you Sarge for all your gifts to this world and to the people in it. Your torch has passed on and will never be extinguished. with respect, the Evison Family

Karrie Evison-Morrow | Posted on March 16, 2011

Because, Sarge lived and served his American family. Our African-American family have 5 Sarge Kids with 2/master degrees, 3/bachelor degrees, 1/Asst. VP/Bank & 2/Served for DoD. Because of Head Start & other Sarge's programs. We are grateful, Shrivers!

Deborah Polite-Valentin | Posted on March 13, 2011

The idea of the Peace Corps is like a Mustard seed that fell on very fertile ground and it has conttinued to multiply over and over- Sargent Shriver's idea has touched and improved many livelihoods in Africa and Uganda in particular.

Shirley Byakutaga | Posted on March 9, 2011

My heartfelt condolences to the Shriver Family. What a great legacy. Sargent Shriver demonstrated that compassion, service, and government can work together to create long lasting positive change.

Dawn Marie Williams | Posted on February 17, 2011

Honourable First -PC- Director, Sargent Shriver, I am most thankful to Jehovah for a GREAT TREASURE LIKE YOU who made this great Dream a reality . You were there when the world needed you most .CONGRATULATION. REST IN THE REWARDING ARMS OF THE LORD. RIP.

DELPHINE HUNLEDE | Posted on February 16, 2011

The Shriver and Kennedy families have shared so much with this nation, and there are many who are forever grateful for their good deeds and great works.

Cynde Lowe | Posted on February 15, 2011

I did not realize that Sargent Shriver had died, but I want to give a tribute to a great man who invented a tremendous program. I met several Peace Corps members and it was hard work, and important.

Carla Herwitz | Posted on February 11, 2011

I first learned about Sargent Shriver when I was in college. His story so moved me that began volunteering with the Special Olympics, and later joined VISTA. We are all in a better world because of his actions.

Hue Jacobs | Posted on February 11, 2011

I am inspired by his drive to change the world. Thanks to him for teaching me the urgency of community service. I will carry his story on...

Sandra | Posted on February 11, 2011

My Heart felt Sympathy to the Shriver family. I ubderstand the great loss of a Parent . As time Passes it will become Easier, Though you will aleays be thinking of your parent. As i think of the loss of my parents I am reminded of all the great times .

Dan | Posted on February 10, 2011

I'm so sorry for the loss for the Shiver family.

stephanie masseron | Posted on February 9, 2011