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Hundreds Attend Eunice Kennedy Shriver’s Public Wake

by Alyzee | August 13, 2009 at 03:58 pm

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Eunice Kennedy Shriver's 6-hour public wake saw an overwhelming turnout. Hundreds of Special Olympic athletes paid their respects to Shriver, the founder of the special Olympics, who died at 88. Family members held a private ceremony before the public was allowed in to the Cape Cod church for the wake.

Many well-known persons attended the wake, such as Shriver's son-in-law Arnold Schwarzenegger, Ted Kennedy, Oprah Winfrey and Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick.

Many attendees left their condolences for the Shriver family in a book inside the chapel.

"Being here right now, I can just hear Eunice saying, 'Don't make this so much about me. Make this a call to service.'" Schwarzenegger wrote.

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kmemav8r

at 17:29 on August 13th, 2009

The photo that you requested above is courtesy of Getty Images and is used with permission on a CC License.

If you'd like to read my thoughts, you may see them here under the same photo:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/kmemav8r/3810924449/

I urge everyone to donate to www.specialolympics.org in honor of Mrs. Shriver.

She was a wonderful woman who realized the struggle of her sister Rosemary and chose to make her story public and honor her by forming the Special Olympics.

Patricia Turo

at 20:36 on August 13th, 2009

My aunt works at the Kennedy museum in Hyannis and has kept me informed of the activities surrounding this event. She is a Kennedy who has worked to make a difference and achieved her goal.

Bob F (not verified)

at 04:39 on August 14th, 2009

My daughter (pictured in one of the photos with Mrs. Shriver) wrote the following note to Eunice upon the death of her sister Rosemary:

Sat. and Sun.
June 18th and 19th

Dear Eunice Kennedy Shriver,

Today I swam at S.O. in memory of your sister, Rosemary. I had courage and did my best! I met you two years ago at the bicycle Best Buddy Hyannis port challenge. I know you really liked Rosemary even though she had so many challenges. I still remember you asking me if I remember Rosemary. I'm so sorry for the loss of your sister, Rosemary. Tonight we are going to read the book about St. Francis of Assisi by your nephew. I will say a prayer for you and your family. God Bless With You! He has been with, my whole entire life. I know God's alive in your family too. Today, I brought home 3 medals. They will remind me of you and courage that everyone needs to have.

Love, Beth F