Sargent Shriver visited the headquarters of the South Middlesex Opportunity Council, telling the employees and supporters who gathered for a luncheon that he "admire(s)" them for all they do to advance the cause of others.
A helping hand: Sargent Shriver urges continued commitment
By D. Craig MacCormack / News Staff Writer
Saturday, August 14, 2004
Caption: Celebrating Kennedy family roots in Boston's North End, California first lady Maria Shriver, her parents, Sargent and Eunice Shriver. Taken July 27 in Boston
FRAMINGHAM -- Sargent Shriver has made his life about helping people.
And he wouldn't change a thing.
Yesterday, he visited the headquarters of the South Middlesex Opportunity Council, telling the employees and supporters who gathered for a luncheon that he "admire(s)" them for all they do to advance the cause of others.
"We'd have no program at all if it weren't for all of the people here," said Shriver, 88. "It's people like you who make this program something that helps all kinds of people."
That's a subject Shriver knows all about. He has led several social service organizations, including the Peace Corps, VISTA, the National Center on Poverty Law, Job Corps and Head Start.
Students from the local Head Start chapter yesterday sang three songs for the animated Shriver, and gave him a sign that read, "Thank you for giving us a Head Start!"
SMOC executive director Jim Cuddy called Shriver "my personal hero" and said he sees Shriver as "a reminder that every government can do well. That's why we need government."
Cuddy thanked Shriver for his emphasis on respect, compassion, care and economic individuality, saying that approach has been what has made SMOC so successful over the years.
"We're doing the things we do because of what Mr. Shriver taught us," said Cuddy.
Shriver, who was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1994, was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease two years ago. And, while his mind wanders at times, Shriver remains focused when he talks about helping people.
"I believe the people in this country have the obligation and also the opportunity to get to know about all kinds of problems and to do something about them," he said. "What they do can transform the United States.
"There's a new movement to bring everyone together, but that has to start with one group. As people mobilize, they begin to change the world. Damn near everyone needs to be helped in some way," said Shriver.
Shriver, who was George McGovern's running mate in his presidential bid in 1972 and mounted a failed attempt at the White House four years later, called politics "very satisfying. I got much more support than I thought I would."
He called on politicians at all levels, including state Sen. David Magnani and Magnani's potential successor Gerard Desilets -- both of whom came to see Shriver yesterday -- to do their parts in advancing the cause of public service.
"It's hard for people who aren't very rich or very famous to change the world, but those people usually aren't the ones who do it," he said. "All you have to do is see if there is someone you can have a relationship with.
"Everyone has the opportunity to improve someone's life. I don't care how young or old, rich or smart you are," he said.
( (Craig MacCormack can be reached at 508-626-4429 or cmaccorm@cnc.com.) )
