In 1961 John F. Kennedy famously said "Ask not what your country can do for you; ask what you can do for your country." With the passing yesterday of Eunice Kennedy Shriver, our country and the world has lost yet another member of that clan who lived those words. Has any other family worked as tirelessly for the betterment of their country? Though born to wealth, they've joined the military, and served their homeland in private and political ventures.

We were all reminded yesterday that Eunice Kennedy Shriver created the Special Olympics. What began as Camp Shriver in 1962 became the first Special Olympics in 1977. Millions of lives - both the competitors and their families - have been touched and made better by the vision and dedication of this woman. This is a legacy that most people can only dream of.

Her brother JFK is most remembered as the 35th president of the United States, as well as the inspiration for one of man's greatest achievements - walking on the moon. Often forgotten is that he also created the Peace Corps. while that organization may be considered to benefit foreign countries more than our own, it is through service to others that many people are inspired to continue work back here at home to improve the lives of their fellow citizens.

Eunice's other brother Robert (RFK), also a presidential candidate (cut down before that could become a reality) was also dedicated to improving the lives of others. He worked tirelessly as a champion of civil rights. During his tenure as Attorney General under his brother's presidency, he prosecuted civil rights violators with zeal, going so far as to state in 1962 that "civil rights" was the number one problem for his office. He also aggressively desegregated his office, which was unheard of at the time.

Eunice's niece (JFK's daughter) has dedicated her life to education. She's raised millions to help the public schools of NYC, and leads or serves on boards for various schools and foundations. How many kids have managed to get the education they needed and grown to be productive members of society (rather than ending up in poverty and crime) because of her involvement?

Finally, though often the butt of jokes, and the knee-jerk target of conservatives, Ted Kennedy has spent his entire life in the political arena. Rather than milk the system for his own betterment, Ted has had the benefit of not needing the money that comes with political power, and - more importantly - understands that others are not so lucky to be born into wealth. He has always been one of our country's most liberal senators, working to help the poor and powerless. He has been the driving force for the healthcare reform that is just now on the cusp of fruition.

So - I ask that we all take a moment to thank this remarkable family who used their wealth and privilege to make their world a better place. May they be an inspiration to us all.