Peace Corp. founder Sargent Shriver dies at age 95

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Peace Corp. founder Sargent Shriver dies at age 95

2011-01-19 14:00:08 GMT+7 (ICT)

WASHINGTON, D.C. (BNO NEWS) - Peace Corp. founder and first director Sargent Shriver on Tuesday passed away at the age of 95, the Peace Corp. said.

Peace Corps Director Aaron S. Williams said the entire Peace Corps community was "deeply saddened" by the passing of Sargent Shriver, describing him as "our founder, friend, and guiding light for the past 50 years."

"Because of his determination and vision, more than 200,000 returned Peace Corps volunteers have served in 139 countries, promoting world peace and friendship," Williams added.

Robert Sargent Shriver Jr., died in Maryland after battling with Alzheimer's disease for 8 years. He was married to Eunice Kennedy Shriver, John, Robert and Edward Kennedy's sister. Eunice Kennedy died in 2009 at the age of 88. She was the founder of the Special Olympics. Together they were the parents of Maria Shriver, the wife of Arnold Schwarzenegger.

President Barack Obama also mourned the Shriver's death, saying he was "one of the brightest lights of the greatest generation."

Of his many enduring contributions, he will perhaps best be remembered as the founding director of the Peace Corps, helping make it possible for generations of Americans to serve as ambassadors of goodwill abroad, Obama added.

Shriver also led President Lyndon Johnons in his "War on Poverty," and was one of John F. Kennedy's adivsors during his 1960 presidential campaign.

"Though he is no longer with us, his legacy of idealism will live on in the work of current and future Peace Corps volunteers. Today, Peace Corps volunteers and people worldwide who have been touched by the Peace Corps grieve with Shriver’s family and friends," Williams concluded.

President Kennedy established the Peace Corps on March 1, 1961, by executive order. Throughout 2011, Peace Corps is commemorating 50 years of promoting peace and friendship around the world.

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