“Never miss a chance to make the world a better place, and recognize that every day brings a new chance, a chance to connect with others, a chance to grow, a chance to learn, a chance to teach, a chance to make a difference, a chance to change at least one person’s world, and a chance to serve!”
Sargent Shriver spoke these words at the age of 86 during the Speech at the National Peace Corps Association’s 41st Annual Celebration Dinner. His optimism, energy, and enthusiasm are as infectious in this speech as they were early in his career in public service, when he frequently gave speeches as the head of the Chicago School Board and the Catholic Interracial Council in the 1950s. Sarge’s call to service reminds us of how he saw politics: as an opportunity to be of assistance to others, and as a way to build peace. He ties the concept of peacebuilding and the importance of service together beautifully in this speech, which is devoted to the importance of the Peace Corps in solving 21st century challenges.
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