"What a great moment for me, my son, the world. What you have made possible for so many people defies all reason." LOWELL WEICKER, JR.
Former United States Senator

Governor Chet Culver, Governor of Iowa

"I was deeply saddened to learn of Eunice Kennedy Shriver's death. My thoughts and prayers, as well as those of Lt. Governor Judge and First Lady Mari Culver, are with the Kennedy family during this difficult time. Like so many, I have been inspired by her commitment to persons with disabilities. Her life's work demonstrated to all of us the progress we can make when we recognize the capabilities of people with intellectual and physical disabilities. I saw first hand the power of the organization she founded, the Special Olympics, when I served as a coach at the International Special Olympics in Minneapolis in 1991. While I want to pay tribute to her passion for service and celebrate all Eunice Kennedy Shriver accomplished, I also want to acknowledge her family's loss. It is my hope that God's grace will surround them as they mourn her passing."