Remembering Shriver & JFK on 50th Anniversary of JFK's Inauguration

Suffering from Alzheimer's Disease for the past 7 years, Sargent Shriver finally succumbed to his illness two days ago at the age of 95. Known for being the creator of the Peace Corps and as George McGovern's running mate in the 1972 Presidential Election, Shriver's memory will live on for his drive to fight poverty and champion civil rights. As if Holbrooke's passing wasn't humbling enough, I use this opportune date of the 50th anniversary of JFK's Inauguration to remember the public service of both Shriver and Kennedy. Harris Wofford, a close friend of Shriver's and special assistant to President Kennedy for Civil Rights, remembers Shriver as "the most productive social inventor in America since Benjamin Franklin."

As I reread President Kennedy's inaugural address, once again I find it striking at how words so long ago can still be so applicable today.

We dare not forget today that we are the heirs of that first revolution. Let the word go forth from this time and place, to friend and foe alike, that the torch has been passed to a new generation of Americans -- born in this century, tempered by war, disciplined by a hard and bitter peace, proud of our ancient heritage, and unwilling to witness or permit the slow undoing of those human rights to which this nation has always been committed, and to which we are committed today at home and around the world.

It's reassuring to know that my President's oratory capabilities are comparable to that of the President 50 years ago.  For those who are interested, you can watch the full video of President Kennedy's inaugural address below: