In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, four of the Shriver siblings – Timothy, Maria, Bobby, and Mark – sat down to discuss their father’s legacy as well as the release of his posthumous memoir, *We Called It A War*. Sargent Shriver, who passed away in 2011, had left behind an unfinished manuscript, which the family discovered in 2018. As the book finally heads to print, the siblings hope to shed new light on their father’s powerful influence and leadership.
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Maria Shriver remarked that the memoir provides an opportunity for people to view their father in a fresh light, particularly as a leader in the War on Poverty—a mission that aimed to improve the lives of Americans in need. She stated, “This book allows people to see him in a new way—as the leader he was.” This sentiment was echoed by brother Tim, who reflected on the current political climate, noting the prevalent demonisation of opposing viewpoints. He added, “Daddy tried to mobilise the other side.”
The Shriver siblings, gathering at the Lyndon B. Johnson Presidential Library in Austin, emphasised the significance of uniting as a family to honour their father’s contributions to American society. The manuscript, initially hidden away in a forgotten box, captivated the siblings when rediscovered. Tim expressed their surprise at its relevance, stating, “This is exactly what the country’s starving for.”
Sargent Shriver’s appointment to lead LBJ’s War on Poverty was made with little warning. The announcement came during a press conference on February 1, 1964, where he would go on to develop ambitious projects such as Head Start and Job Corps that laid the groundwork for numerous social programmes still active today. Bobby highlighted the remarkable speed with which his father established these initiatives, stating, “He created them all like bang, bang, bang—mind boggling.”
Despite his monumental legacy, Sargent Shriver often remained overshadowed by the glamorous Kennedy family, to which he belonged through marriage. Maria pointed out that many may have overlooked her father’s contributions. “I think a lot of people didn’t see him when he was alive. It was noisy in the family,” she reflected, adding that the publication of this memoir offers a chance to redefine how he is perceived.
The Shriver household was historically a hive of activity, thanks in part to their mother, Eunice, who founded the Special Olympics. Tim shared fond memories of their childhood, recalling how family friends would join them during summers full of inclusion and excitement, regardless of their backgrounds. “We had this sense that we were one unit,” he explained, reminiscing about campaigning efforts and shared journeys with their father.
Despite growing up in a fiercely competitive atmosphere, a sense of loyalty continues to bind the Shriver siblings, now located across various parts of the country. Maria expressed her affection for her brothers, indicating, “They’re my favourite people.” Each sibling has forged their own path while maintaining the close-knit connection instilled in them by their parents.
However, their bond has faced challenges, particularly during political disagreements within the family related to their cousin, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who has sparked controversy in his current role in the Trump administration. In response to derogatory comments he made about people with autism, Tim and Anthony issued a public statement denouncing his remarks and expressing their commitment to their father’s ideals of inclusion and compassion. Tim encapsulated their approach by stating, “He had a capacity to hold a fierce position without dehumanising people on the other side.”
This commitment to public service continues into the next generation, with the siblings’ children carrying on the family legacy through active involvement in projects like the Special Olympics and the Peace Corps. Tim noted, “From contributing to the Special Olympics Founder’s Council to participating in the Peace Corps, the cousins are all volunteering.”
The impact of Sargent and Eunice Shriver’s work resonates within their children and grandchildren, which remains a source of pride for the family. “It’s a living legacy,” Mark said, reflecting on how their parents’ dedication continues to inspire others.
As the memoir *We Called It A War* prepares for release, the Shriver siblings hope it will provide readers not only with insights into their father’s life but also valuable lessons on unity and compassion that are sorely needed in today’s world. For further information on the Shriver family and their father’s enduring influence, readers can find more in the latest issue of PEOPLE, on newsstands this Friday.