Barbara Lee Releases Statement on Passing of Sargent Shriver
For Immediate Release
Contact: Ricci Graham
(510) 763-0370
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA) released the following statement upon learning of the passing of Robert Sargent Shriver Jr.:
“Today, we mourn the loss of Robert Sargent Shriver Jr., a true public servant who dedicated his life to promoting justice and creating opportunity not only in America but throughout the world.
“Mr. Shriver’s legacy is defined by his many accomplishments, none more important and impactful than serving as the director of the Peace Corps upon its inception in 1961. Though commitment and dedication, Mr. Shriver launched the Peace Corps, an organization that has enhanced the respect of our nation across the world and for 50 years has given countless Americans the opportunity to serve as Ambassadors of hope and goodwill.
“In his work and personal life, Mr. Shriver truly embodied the Peace Corps’ mission of ‘peace and friendship through service’ that has come to define generations of U.S. volunteers working at home and abroad for the betterment of society through the offering of a steady, helping hand.
“Mr. Shriver’s also left his mark on a number of important programs that have enriched and improved the lives of many Americans, including Head Start, Job Corps, Volunteers in Service to America (VISTA), and the Special Olympics.
“I offer my sincerest condolences and prayers to his children and grandchildren and to the Shriver and Kennedy families in this difficult time. Today, our nation lost a passionate champion for justice and equality, but we retain his vision for a better world that is only as far away as we choose to reach.”
# # #