Robert Sargent Shriver, Jr. (born November 9, 1915 in Westminster, Maryland) is an American politician, known for his association with the Kennedy family, most notably John F. Kennedy and Robert F. Kennedy, and as the main organiser and first director of the Peace Corps. He received his bachelor's degree from Yale University, where he became a member of the prestigious secret society, Scroll and Key and where he also served as chairman of the Yale Daily News.
Shriver was U.S. ambassador to France from 1968 to 1970.
In 1972, Shriver ran for Vice President on the Democratic ticket, having replaced Thomas Eagleton as the running mate of George McGovern. However, they were beaten by the Republican candidates Richard Nixon and Spiro Agnew. He was also a close friend of Laurence Tribe and Cyrus Vance, a member of Scroll and Key.
On May 23, 1953, Shriver married Eunice Kennedy, a sister of John F. Kennedy. Their daughter Maria is famous as a television news journalist and as the wife of actor, and later California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, a Republican. (For a list of all of Sargent Shriver's children, see the entry on Eunice Kennedy.)
Shriver now suffers from Alzheimer's disease. Maria has published a children's book, "What's Happening to Grandpa?," to help explain Alzheimer's to children. The book also gives kids suggestions on how to help and to show love to an elderly person with the disease.
Shriver served in the United States Navy during World War II and retired as a Lieutenant Commander after five years of service
Shriver and his wife are also associated with the Special Olympics.
Shriver is a descendant of David Shriver , who signed the Maryland Constitution and Bill of Rights at Maryland's Constitutional Convention of 1776.
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