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KENNEDY HONORS EUNICE KENNEDY SHRIVER

**REMARKS INCLUDED

November 16, 2007

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

BOSTON, MA - Senator Edward M. Kennedy, joined by his sister Ambassador Jean Kennedy Smith, today paid tribute to their sister, Eunice Kennedy Shriver, Founder and Honorary Chairperson of the Special Olympics, at the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum. The event, part of the John F. Kennedy Library Forum series, celebrated Mrs. Shriver’s many accomplishments and continued dedication to special needs children.

 

“In so many ways when we were growing up, Eunice was our great sponge,” said Senator Kennedy. “She was part of everything that was going on – always so thoughtful, so caring, so interested in people, so fascinated by history, so involved in sports, such a great sailor. She decided early on that she’d devote her life to helping persons with disabilities lead better lives – and what an immense difference she’s made in America and throughout the world.”

 

Four of Mrs. Shriver’s children—Maria, Anthony, Mark and Robert—also paid tribute to their mother. The discussion was moderated by Harvard Law School Professor Mary Ann Glendon. Kennedy Library Forums are a series of conversations meant to foster discussion on diverse topics reflecting the cultural, political, and historical legacy of President and Mrs. Kennedy’s White House tenure.

 

 

TRIBUTE TO EUNICE KENNEDY SHRIVER

JOHN F. KENNEDY LIBRARY

NOV. 16, 2007

 

(As Prepared for Delivery)

 

            It’s such an honor to be part of this very special tribute to Eunice at Jack’s Library.  I’m sure my brother would love it.

 

            He’d be very touched, as we all are, by the flood of beautiful memories about Eunice in an evening like this.

 

            In so many ways when we were growing up, Eunice was our great sponge.  She was part of everything that was going on – always so thoughtful, so caring, so interested in people, so fascinated by history, so involved in sports, such a great sailor.

 

Incredibly, she could absorb it all.  And just like a sponge, if you squeezed her, it all came pouring out again.  It’s one of the extraordinary qualities that made her so unique.

 

            In those years, we all loved Rosemary, but Eunice loved her most of all.  She’d always do anything and everything she could to help her.

 

            She decided early on that she’d devote her life to helping persons with disabilities lead better lives – and what an immense difference she’s made in America and throughout the world.

 

            And Sarge has been with her every step of the way since that day in the summer of 1963 when they started Camp Shriver in the back yard of their home in Maryland.

 

            Just think – there she was last month in Beijing, for the Special Olympics World Games held this year in China.

 

            Talk about making a difference.  What a mighty oak has grown from the little acorn Eunice planted that summer in Maryland.

 

            One other story.  A few blocks from the White House, there’s a new memorial called the Points of Light Pathway.  It’s a series of medallions in the sidewalk, each with a portrait and brief description of a person who’s gone the extra mile to help others.  One of the medallions honors Eunice. A passerby on a rainy afternoon stopped to look at it and read what it said.  He was obviously touched, and he stooped down and wiped away the tears of rain from my sister’s eyes.

 

            Across the years, Eunice has wiped a lot of tears from my eyes, too.  We’re so proud of you, Eunice. 

 

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