Political Quotes

On the recordJanuary 19, 2011
Members, yesterday we lost a great American, a real hero when Sargent Shriver passed away. My wife, Patti, and I were honored to be able to call Sarge our friend. He was a great mentor to both of us. Our lives were shaped, inspired, improved by the extraordinary vision and talent of Sargent Shriver when he built the Peace Corps. We had the awesome experience to join the Peace Corps in its third year and to be assigned to Ethiopia. Were it not for Shriver's leadership, this iconic and pure American program would never exist. Sargent Shriver became our close friend as the years went by. With each meeting, our love for Sarge grew, as did our respect for his endless enthusiasm and desire to improve the status of all. In the 1990s, Patti had the opportunity to work closely with Sargent Shriver to spread the Peace Corps to Eastern Europe, Asia, and South Africa. His enthusiasm once again motivated Americans to join the Peace Corps and serve men, women, and children in every part of the globe. America and the world will miss this compassionate and talented man. Patti and I send our prayers and condolences to his family, and we will personally miss this amazing individual.
Said by
John Garamendi
Democratic · California

Editor's note · Context

Garamendi honors the legacy of Sargent Shriver following his passing.

Share

More from John Garamendi

Jun 26, 2026

Secretary McMahon has been a disaster for students, teachers, and families, taking a sledgehammer to the Department of Education.

garamendi.house.gov
Jun 6, 2026

"America's economy is nothing without our infrastructure," said Rep. Garamendi.

garamendi.house.gov
Jun 10, 2026

While Americans were already struggling with the rising costs of gas, food, and rent, Trump started a war with Iran causing gas prices to skyrocket, imposed tariffs, and enacted some of the largest cuts to Medicaid, health care services…

garamendi.house.gov
Jun 10, 2026

The bottom line is my Democratic colleagues and I think about and fight every day to lower costs for all Americans, not just January 6th rioters or billionaires.

garamendi.house.gov

Other voices in this conversation