[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 166 (Monday, November 17, 2003)]
[House]
[Pages H11174-H11177]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
HONORING MR. SARGENT SHRIVER
Mr. DUNCAN. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the
concurrent resolution (H. Con. Res. 299) honoring Mr. Sargent Shriver
for his dedication and service to the United States of America, for his
service in
[[Page H11175]]
the United States Navy, and for his lifetime of work as an ambassador
for the poor and powerless citizens of the United States of America,
and for other purposes.
The Clerk read as follows:
H. Con. Res. 299
Whereas from 1955 to 1960, Mr. Shriver served as president
of the Chicago Board of Education;
Whereas Mr. Shriver earned the rank of Lieutenant Commander
after 5 years of service in the United States Navy;
Whereas in 1960, Mr. Shriver began his career in public
service by working as a political and organization
coordinator for Senator John F. Kennedy in the Wisconsin and
West Virginia Presidential primaries;
Whereas from 1961 to 1966, Mr. Shriver organized and
directed the Peace Corps, developing volunteer activities in
Africa, Asia, and Latin America;
Whereas from 1964 to 1968, as the first Director of the
Office of Economic Opportunity during President Lyndon B.
Johnson's administration, Mr. Shriver helped establish Head
Start, VISTA, Community Action, Job Corps, Legal Services,
Foster Grandparents, Indian and Migrant Opportunities, and
Neighborhood Health Services;
Whereas in 1964, Mr. Shriver was appointed by President
Johnson to serve as United States Ambassador to France;
Whereas in 1972, Mr. Shriver was selected by the Democratic
party as the Vice Presidential candidate during Senator
George McGovern's Presidential campaign against President
Nixon;
Whereas in 1984, Mr. Shriver served as president of the
Board of Directors of Special Olympics and was responsible
for the operation and international development of sports
programs around the world;
Whereas in 1990, Mr. Shriver was appointed chairman of the
Board of Special Olympics;
Whereas in 2003, Mr. Shriver was appointed chairman of the
Board Emeritus of Special Olympics and has held positions in
many associations, including the American Council on Germany,
the National Interreligious Task Force on Soviet Jewry, the
Navy League, the Veterans of Foreign Wars, and the Knights of
Columbus;
Whereas Mr. Shriver has been honored with numerous awards,
including the Distinguished American Award from the John F.
Kennedy Library and Foundation for his work with the Peace
Corps and the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the United
States' highest civilian honor; and
Whereas Mr. Shriver has been honored with more than 24
honorary degrees from universities around the world,
including Yale University, Brandeis University, Boston
College, Yeshiva University, the University of Liberia, and
Chulalongkorn University in Bangkok, Thailand: Now,
therefore, be it
Resolved by the House of Representatives (the Senate
concurring), That Congress--
(1) honors Mr. Sargent Shriver for his dedication and
service to the United States of America, for his service in
the United States Navy, and for his lifetime of work acting
as an ambassador for the poor and powerless citizens of the
United States; and
(2) recognizes Mr. Sargent Shriver for his steadfast
dedication and lifelong service to his country.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from
Tennessee (Mr. Duncan) and the gentleman from North Carolina (Mr.
Ballance) each will control 20 minutes.
The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Tennessee (Mr. Duncan).
General Leave
Mr. DUNCAN. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may
have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks
on H. Con. Res. 299, the resolution now under consideration.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the
gentleman from Tennessee?
There was no objection.
Mr. DUNCAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
Mr. Speaker, House Concurrent Resolution 299 honors Mr. Sargent
Shriver for his dedication and service to the United States of America.
In 1961, President John F. Kennedy appointed Sargent Shriver the first
director of the United States Peace Corps, an organization that
continues to help millions of people all over the globe today. Three
years later, because of his success establishing the Peace Corps,
Sargent Shriver was also named director of the Office of Economic
Opportunity by President Lyndon Johnson. He ultimately resigned from
the Peace Corps in 1966 to devote himself full time to the OEO. In
1968, he was selected as our Ambassador to France. Ambassador Shriver
joined the national Presidential ticket in 1972, when he became George
McGovern's Vice Presidential running mate in that year.
Mr. Speaker, Sargent Shriver lived a remarkable life committed to
public service in the U.S. and around the world. I congratulate the
gentleman from California for recognizing Mr. Sargent Shriver for his
steadfast dedication and lifelong service to his country.
Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. BALLANCE. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
Mr. Speaker, Sargent Shriver is a humanitarian, an advocate, a public
servant, and a leader whose contributions to his country and his fellow
man are immeasurable. Leading President Johnson's War on Poverty,
Shriver ushered in many of the great society programs aimed at helping
Americans better their lives. A list of programs Sargent Shriver
started, defended, and expanded, and which remain in place today, are
the Peace Corps, which in 1961 he helped organize and became its first
director, Head Start, Job Corps, Legal Services, Upward Bound,
Community Action, Foster Grandparents, and VISTA. Along with his wife
Eunice, the founder of Special Olympics International, Sargent Shriver
has nurtured the Special Olympics since 1968.
A man of stellar character and tireless energy, Shriver was raised on
a farm in Westminster, Maryland. He worked his way through college,
graduating from Yale University, cum laude, in 1938, and Yale Law
School in 1941. Shriver served 5 years in the Navy during World War II
ending his service as Lieutenant Commander.
Sargent Shriver worked to unite common concerns of the citizens of
America and of the world. In 2001, during a speech at the 40th
Anniversary of the Peace Corps Vigil at the Lincoln Memorial, Shriver
stated: ``Be servants of peace; work at home as you have worked abroad,
humbly, persistently, intelligently. Weep with those who are sorrowful,
care for those who are sick. Serve your wives, serve your husbands,
serve your families, serve your neighbors, serve your citizens, serve
your cities, serve the poor. Join others who serve. Serve, serve,
serve. That's the end. That is the challenge. For in the end, it will
be the servants who save us all.''
Be servants of peace. This is an important directive not only for the
Peace Corps, but for all of us who work to seek to make America and the
world a better place, as Sargent Shriver has. We owe men and women like
Sargent Shriver a debt of gratitude and this resolution serves to do
that.
Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
Mr. DUNCAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the
gentleman from California (Mr. McKeon).
Mr. McKEON. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding me this
time.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today as the proud sponsor of House Concurrent
Resolution 299, honoring the life and accomplishments of my friend
Sargent Shriver. I have another good friend here that I met on the
Hill, that I have known for a number of years, who worked many years
ago for Sargent Shriver, considered him a mentor, and is one that
really got me interested in studying more about what Sargent Shriver
has accomplished in this life. Just a short week after his 88th
birthday, we honor this American Patriot for his accomplishments in
life, for his compassion for humanity, for his philanthropy, for his
generosity, and for his commitment to public service.
As children, we all have visions and dreams of one day being able to
change the world, to make a real difference to mankind, to be
remembered. But in reality, it is difficult to find a person who has
actually done so. As an ambassador and advocate for the poor and
powerless, as a man of strong conviction, faith, and devotion, as a man
who genuinely loves his country and all that it stands for, it is safe
to say that Sargent Shriver truly has made a difference in the world.
Born 88 years ago last Sunday, Sargent received both his
undergraduate and law degrees from Yale University. He married his
long-time sweetheart, Eunice Kennedy, and 50 years later, their love
remains as strong as the day they met. His devotion to his wife and his
five children, throughout his life, exemplify his character and
represent the true American spirit.
His love for family is followed closely by his love of country. As an
international lawyer and administrator, Sargent Shriver has compiled an
unparalleled record of public service at
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every tier, from the local level to the world community. Sargent served
as an attorney in the United States Navy during World War II and
retired as a Lieutenant Commander after 5 years of service.
After ending his military career, Mr. Shriver worked briefly as an
editorial assistant at Newsweek magazine. In 1955, he began a 5-year
tenure as president of the Chicago Board of Education, a position that
would teach him the sense of patriotism and community activism, which
he would carry throughout his life.
In 1961, Mr. Shriver answered the call of duty again, this time by
President John F. Kennedy. Sargent established and directed the newly-
founded organization called the Peace Corps, and helped organize
operations around the world, from Africa and Asia to Latin America. The
Peace Corps would eventually come to the aid of foreign communities
needing medical, educational and technical assistance, while giving
millions of Americans the opportunity share our culture and values and
democratic way of life to those less fortunate around the world.
After September 11, many Americans have been searching for their role
in the war against terrorism, asking what can I do. President Bush has
called on every citizen to devote a portion of their lives to service.
Since September 2001, more than 3,000 potential Peace Corps volunteers
have started applications and almost 7,000 men and women have contacted
the Peace Corps to ask about volunteering. The Peace Corps estimates
that there has been a 300 percent increase in volunteer interest.
Sargent Shriver deserves the gratitude of every American for his
contributions to this most noble of causes.
As the true patriot he is, Sargent's commitment to those in need did
not stop there. He served as the first director of the Office of
Economic Opportunity under President Johnson. Using his principles as
his guiding light, Sargent played the American Dream a reality for
millions of Americans across America. And, today, at the young age of
88, Sargent's mission of service continues. He was elected president of
the Special Olympics in 1984 and was appointed Chairman of the Board
Emeritus of Special Olympics earlier this year.
Martin Luther King said, ``You ought to believe in something in life,
and believe that thing so fervently that you will stand up for it until
the end of your days.'' As a man of unflinching moral character,
visionary leadership, and a compassion that sees no end, Sargent
Shriver embodies the idealism that helped make the United States the
world's cornerstone of freedom, opportunity, and democracy.
Mr. Shriver once said that the politics of life is personal
initiative, creativity, experience, and grace. Mr. Speaker, Sargent
Shriver exemplifies the American spirit which represents the very best
in humanity. His life is a celebration of democracy. I am proud to have
sponsored this resolution and encourage all Members to follow the
example set by my friend, Sargent Shriver.
Mr. DUNCAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume to
commend the gentleman from California for introducing this very
worthwhile legislation, and I join him in commending Sargent Shriver on
his career. He has led a life of public service that has set a great
example for everyone in this Nation. He has tried to serve this Nation
well.
Mr. McGOVERN. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to join my colleagues in
honoring Sargent Shriver for his years of outstanding service to our
country. As a lawyer, government administrator, ambassador, and
passionate spokesman for the poor, Mr. Shriver has devoted his life to
the most vulnerable among us.
Sargent Shriver is perhaps best known as the founder and first
administrator of President John F. Kennedy's Peace Corps. In that
position, Mr. Shriver organized Peace Corps operations in more than 50
countries in the developing world.
After founding the Peace Corps, Mr. Shriver dedicated himself to
President Lyndon B. Johnson's Great Society. Within the Great Society,
Mr. Shriver founded Head Start; he created the Job Corps; he organized
Legal Services; and he created Volunteers in Service to America.
In time, Mr. Shriver's service to our country took on a diplomatic
perspective when he went to Paris as our ambassador to France under
both President Johnson and President Richard M. Nixon.
Upon his return from Paris, Mr. Shriver threw himself into Democratic
politics. During the 1970 election, he traveled the country on behalf
of Democratic House and Senate candidates. And then in 1972 he was the
Democratic nominee for vice president joining the ticket with my good
friend George McGovern. In 1976, Mr. Shriver ran in the Democratic
presidential primaries.
Mr. Speaker, throughout the 1980s and 1990s, Mr. Shriver devoted
himself to philanthropic causes. Among other things, he served on the
Rockefeller University Council; he was elected president of the Special
Olympics; he was later appointed Chairman of the Board of Special
Olympics, Inc. Mr. Shriver went on to receive numerous awards and
honorary degrees from colleges and universities.
Mr. Speaker, this summer I had the opportunity to see and talk with
Sargent Shriver in Massachusetts. He shared with me his dreams of a
peaceful world and his hopes for a brighter future. And he looks great.
Mr. Speaker, as we honor Mr. Shriver today, I believe it is important
that we reflect on his life of service to our country and how we can
learn from him. In a letter he composed about his fight with
Alzheimer's disease, he wrote of the challenges we face as a country
``to search for the pathways to peace . . . to overcome the horrors of
poverty and neglect in this country and around the world. Indeed, Mr.
Shriver's words should guide us each day.
Again, Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to join my colleagues in honoring
Mr. Shriver for his decades of selfless service to our country and the
world community.
Mr. HOYER. Mr. Speaker, in 5 days, we will observe the 40th
anniversary of one of the darkest moments in American history--the
assassination of our 35th President, John F. Kennedy.
President Kennedy stirred the imagination of our Nation and inspired
a generation to ``ask not what your country can do for you--ask what
you can do for your country.''
Today, Mr. Speaker, I join my colleagues in honoring a man who
answered that clarion call to a life in public service; a man who quite
literally was a pillar in President Kennedy's New Frontier; and a man
who is one of the greatest public servants in the history of our
Nation.
I, of course, am referring to Robert Sargent Shriver, Jr., who
celebrated his 88th birthday one week ago.
Sargent Shriver's devotion to this nation--and humanity--sets an
example for all to emulate and a high bar that only a few will ever
hope to exceed.
A native of the State of Maryland, and in fact a member of one of the
Free State's founding families, Sargent Shriver has dedicated his life
to improving the lives of others.
A few years ago, Sarge was asked to explain his lifelong commitment
to public service. ``I just feel my faith,'' he said. ``A life of
service is like catching a disease. In a family it's passed on. . . .
Our five children are all involved in service. It's in their veins.''
There is no doubt that this generation and future generations of
Americans are the beneficiaries of his life of service.
After graduating from Yale Law School in 1941, Sarge enlisted in the
Navy, where he received the Navy Unit Citation and the Submarine Medal
for service in both the Atlantic and Pacific.
After World War II, Sarge accepted a position as assistant editor
with Newsweek magazine. He later went into business with Joseph
Kennedy, President Kennedy's father, and met Eunice, his wife of more
than 50 years.
Sarge than moved his family to Chicago, where he served on the Board
of Education. In 1956, he was elected President of the Board, the
youngest person to serve in such a position in any major American city.
And in 1960, he joined the Presidential campaign of then-Senator
Kennedy. After the election, he was asked by President Kennedy to
create the Peace Corps and in March 1961 was appointed its founding
Director.
Sarge's vision for the Peace Corps was straight-forward and strong:
``to permit Americans to participate directly, personally, and
effectively in this struggle for human dignity.''
In nearly 6 years at the Peace Corps, Sarge developed programs in 55
countries with more than 14,500 volunteers. Forty-two years later, the
solid foundation that he created has only strengthened and expanded.
Today, 163,000 Peace Corps volunteers have served in 135 countries.
However, while Sarge is rightly identified as the founding father of
this great American idea, his contributions to the Peace Corps do not
tell the whole story.
Sarge also served as the first Director of the Office of Economic
Opportunity under President Johnson. Then, between 1964 and 1968, he
created VISTA, Head Start, Community Action, Foster Grandparents, Job
Corps, Legal Services, Indian and Migrant Opportunities and
Neighborhood Health Services.
And, then, from 1968 to 1970, he served as U.S. Ambassador to France,
before being
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nominated in 1972 to serve as the Vice Presidential candidate on the
Democratic Party's ticket with George McGovern.
Few Americans have given so much to help so many. Yet, in the
twilight of this incredible life, Sarge and Eunice continue to give.
To call this record of public service exemplary is a vast
understatement. Words cannot adequately convey the decency and humanity
that has been brought into the lives of millions worldwide through the
work of Sargent Shriver--international lawyer, ambassador,
humanitarian. His life's work shall live on long after this and
succeeding generations have passed the torch of public service to their
progeny.
``Serve, serve, serve,'' Sarge was know to say, ``because in the end
it is the servants who save us all.''
Mr. Speaker, today, I honor a great American and wish him only the
best, and I urge all my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to
support this Resolution recognizing Sargent Shriver.
Mr. DUNCAN. Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and I
yield back the balance of my time.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the
gentleman from Tennessee (Mr. Duncan) that the House suspend the rules
and agree to the concurrent resolution, H. Con. Res. 299.
The question was taken.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the opinion of the Chair, two-thirds of
those present have voted in the affirmative.
Mr. DUNCAN. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.
The yeas and nays were ordered.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to clause 8 of rule XX and the
Chair's prior announcement, further proceedings on this motion will be
postponed.
____________________