Hail to the Sarge

Last week, R. Sargent Shriver passed, marking the end of an era. That same era was also acknowledged last week, on Thursday, Jan. 20, at the 50th anniversary of President John F. Kennedy’s first inaugural address -- //www.youtube.com/watch?v=BLmiOEk59n8.

Sargent Shriver set a bold agenda, chiefly being a top public servant, in a selfless, focused manner and setting the example for legions to follow, from his work with The Peace Corps and The War on Poverty. He will be missed. Luckily his work has inspired many and I hope the inspired continue his and others’ work in new, unexpected ways to benefit society. That’s the example I take from Mr. Shriver.

Here’s a quote, cited at the funeral Mass by his son, Anthony, “from an address to Yale University in 1994: "I hope you remember to believe in things 'til you die. I hope you remember to be guided by beliefs powerful enough to change the world. I hope you remember the example of the Peace Corps volunteer, the Head Start parent, the Special Olympics athlete. They, each in their own way, are waging peace. Maybe you will even remember me and my family. Remember the importance of family--of giving and receiving--of love. You have such a chance! Oh, how I wish I were you!!!!"