Sargent Shriver

Date of Birth: November 9, 1915

Zodiac Sign: Scorpio

Date of Death: January 18, 2011

Biography

Robert Sargent Shriver Jr., commonly known as Sargent Shriver, was an influential American politician and activist. Born on November 9, 1915, in Westminster, Maryland, Shriver is best known for his work in the Kennedy and Johnson administrations, where he played a pivotal role in founding and directing the Peace Corps, as well as initiating and overseeing the War on Poverty programs. He married Eunice Kennedy, sister of President John F. Kennedy, in 1953, linking him to one of the most prominent political families in the United States. Shriver’s career was marked by a commitment to public service, civil rights, and international peace. He passed away on January 18, 2011, in Bethesda, Maryland, after a battle with Alzheimer’s disease.

5 Interesting Facts about Sargent Shriver

1. Sargent Shriver was the driving force behind the creation of the Peace Corps in 1961.

2. He served as the U.S. Ambassador to France from 1968 to 1970.

3. Shriver was the Democratic vice-presidential candidate in the 1972 election, running with George McGovern.

4. He was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1994 by President Bill Clinton.

5. Shriver was a devout Catholic and was deeply involved in the Special Olympics, which was founded by his wife, Eunice Kennedy Shriver.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Sargent Shriver

1. “Peace does not come with declarations alone; it must be fought for, it must be built.”

2. “Service to others is the rent you pay for your room here on earth.”

3. “The Peace Corps is guilty of enthusiasm and a crusading spirit. But we’re not apologetic about it.”

4. “The War on Poverty is not a struggle simply to support people, to make them dependent on the generosity of others.”

5. “The cure for all the ills and wrongs, the cares, the sorrows, and the crimes of humanity, all lie in that one word ‘love’.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

At the peak of his career, Sargent Shriver’s net worth was estimated to be around $100 million, primarily due to his marriage into the Kennedy family, which had significant wealth.

Children

Sargent Shriver and Eunice Kennedy Shriver had five children: 1. Robert Sargent “Bobby” Shriver III – An activist, attorney, journalist, and member of the Kennedy family. 2. Maria Shriver – A journalist, author, and former First Lady of California, married to Arnold Schwarzenegger. 3. Timothy Perry Shriver – Chairman of Special Olympics. 4. Mark Kennedy Shriver – A former member of the Maryland House of Delegates and current president of Save the Children Action Network. 5. Anthony Paul Kennedy Shriver – Founder and chairman of Best Buddies International.