“The ‘call to war’ can only take us so far; so I say what our nation needs now is a call to peace and to service; peace and service on a scale we have scarcely begun to imagine ... Let’s join anew in common cause with all countries to eradicate poverty and militarism. Let us not be afraid to tackle difficult assignments, unswerving in our dedication to live and work alongside citizens of other nations who want to create a safe and stable world.”
Our Quote of the Week offers a reflection on this solemn day as we mark the 25th anniversary of the attacks of September 11th.
Sargent Shriver made this particular call to peace and service in his 2002 Speech at the National Peace Corps Association’s 41st Annual Celebration Dinner. The speech demonstrates both Shriver’s understanding of our contemporary world, and the continued commitment to service, peacebuilding, and diplomacy that he showed during his tenure with Peace Corps and throughout his life. As well as stressing the vital importance of peace and service, he emphasizes that we must have the courage to tackle difficult challenges and the ability to work side by side with peers in other countries. It is only by committing to these values of “world peace and friendship” that we can create, as Shriver says, “a safe and stable world.”
Today, we remember the 2,977 victims of the attacks, the first responders who selflessly took part in the rescue and recovery efforts, in many cases giving their lives or their health, and the loved ones of everyone touched by this extreme act of violence. We recommit to the building of a world where such acts are unimaginable and where we all have the space to thrive.
We close with some additional words from Sargent Shriver about the nature of peace:
“Peace is much more than the mere absence of war. Peace requires the simple but powerful recognition that what we have in common as human beings is more important and crucial than what divides us.”
Like this quote? Read the speech and subscribe to receive our Quote of the Week by email.
