Sargent Shriver: A Life of Public Service
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Full Name and Common Aliases

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Robert Sargent Shriver III, commonly known as Sargent Shriver, was a renowned American diplomat, politician, and social activist.

Birth and Death Dates

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Born on November 9, 1915, in Westminster, Maryland, Shriver passed away on January 18, 2011, at the age of 95.

Nationality and Profession(s)

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American. Diplomat, Politician, Social Activist, Lawyer.

Early Life and Background

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Sargent Shriver was born into a prominent family in Maryland. His father, Robert Sargent Shriver Sr., was a businessman and politician who served as Governor of Maryland from 1947 to 1951. Shriver's mother, Hilda Shriver (née Rhinehart), was a philanthropist and advocate for women's rights. The family moved frequently during his childhood due to his father's business ventures.

Shriver attended the Choate Rosemary Hall in Wallingford, Connecticut, before enrolling at Yale University. He graduated from Yale with a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1938. After college, Shriver worked as a journalist for several years, writing for various publications, including the _Yale Daily News_. In 1942, he joined the United States Navy, where he served during World War II.

Major Accomplishments

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Sargent Shriver's career spanned over five decades and included numerous significant accomplishments:

Director of the Peace Corps: Shriver was appointed by President John F. Kennedy in 1961 to establish and direct the newly created Peace Corps, a program aimed at promoting international understanding and development.
Vice Presidential Candidate: In 1972, Shriver ran as the Democratic Party's nominee for Vice President under Senator George McGovern, becoming one of the few times an incumbent vice president has lost re-election.
Advocate for Social Justice: Throughout his life, Shriver was a vocal advocate for social justice and human rights. He played a key role in promoting civil rights legislation and advocating for the needs of marginalized communities.

Notable Works or Actions

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Some notable works and actions by Sargent Shriver include:

Establishment of Head Start: In 1964, Shriver founded the Office of Economic Opportunity (OEO), which oversaw the creation of the Job Corps, Vista, and several other programs aimed at addressing poverty. One of these initiatives was Head Start, a preschool program for low-income children that has since become a cornerstone of American social policy.
Development of Model Cities Program: Shriver's leadership in urban renewal efforts led to the establishment of the Model Cities Program (MCP), which aimed to revitalize and redevelop urban areas through comprehensive planning and community involvement.

Impact and Legacy

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Sargent Shriver's impact on American society is immeasurable. His tireless commitment to public service, social justice, and human rights has inspired generations:

Peace Corps Legacy: The Peace Corps, which Shriver founded, continues to operate today with over 70 years of history, impacting millions of people worldwide.
Civil Rights Progress: Shriver's advocacy for civil rights legislation helped pave the way for landmark laws like the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and Voting Rights Act of 1965.

Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered

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Sargent Shriver is widely quoted and remembered due to his:

Visionary Leadership: His innovative approach to addressing social issues, such as poverty and urban decay, has left a lasting impact on American society.
* Unwavering Commitment: Throughout his life, Shriver demonstrated an unwavering commitment to public service and social justice, inspiring countless individuals to follow in his footsteps.