Sherrod Brown: “35 years ago, thousands of young people entered politics for the first time by working on the Presidential campaign of…”

“35 years ago, thousands of young people entered politics for the first time by working on the Presidential campaign of George McGovern--a champion for social and economic justice and leading progressive. Senator McGovern's legacy of progressive politics dates back to volunteering for Henry Wallace's Presidential campaign in 1948. At 19, and still in college, I was one of those who volunteered for Senator McGovern during a time of great social and political upheaval in our Nation. We looked to Senator McGovern for his leadership on ending the Vietnam war; for his vision of a nation defined by equal rights, equal opportunity, and unwavering support for those in need. I remember being struck by the strength of his faith and by his patriotism. When he thought our Nation needed to go to war, he served in uniform--earning the Distinguished Flying Cross during World War II. And when he knew it was a war that was wrong, he spoke out early, and often, as was the case with the Vietnam war. Whether he courageously spoke out against the war from this Chamber as a U.S. Senator, or spoke out for social justice on the Presidential campaign trail, Senator McGovern gave hope--and purpose--to a generation of Americans. He changed lives and improved a nation. Senator McGovern's work continues today. A former U.N. Global Ambassador on World Hunger, Senator McGovern's outreach has helped feed literally millions of families around the world.”