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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
