August 2009 witnessed the passing of a tremendous American who spent decades working to help our nation fulfill its most audacious promises: Eunice Kennedy Shriver. Yes, her brother, Sen. Edward Kennedy, was a tremendous legislator whose death has transfixed much of the nation, but Eunice led an extraordinary life full of enduring accomplishments. The ingrained sexism of the time may have prevented her from following her brothers into politics, but she did not simply stand on the sidelines — she was a force all her own. Moved by the troubles of her mentally ill sister, Eunice launched what became the Special Olympics from the backyard of her home in Rockville, Maryland, and she helped create the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development. She and her husband, Sargent Shriver, inspired millions of Americans to become active citizens. She will not be forgotten.