George McGovern: South Dakota’s Legendary Legislator

George McGovern:

South Dakota’s Legendary Legislator BY SARAH NEARMAN HERBERT

Who is the only South Dakotan to be nominated to run for President of the United States?

George McGovern: South Dakota’s Legendary Legislator is a new picture biography for children in grades 4-8 that shares the story of this remarkable figure in South Dakota and U.S. history. Sarah Nearman Herbert, a retired fourth grade teacher in Sioux Falls, was inspired to write this book for her students as they studied South Dakota history.

When students researched famous South Dakotans, there was nothing written at a level for them to comprehend about George McGovern. The book aims to teach students about the significance of McGovern in South Dakota, the United States and around the world.

“It was an honor for me to research, write and publish my very first book about such a beloved humanitarian,” Herbert said. “While it was originally intended to be used by students, it soon became evident that more than just fourth graders wanted to

know more about the only South Dakotan to run for President. Teachers have told me how much they appreciate the inclusion of text features such as a timeline, index and glossary that are state standards students must achieve.”

McGovern was born in Avon, S.D., but spent most of his youth in Mitchell, S.D. As the son of a Wesleyan Methodist minister, he was an ordinary, shy kid who loved to read and play with his brother and sisters.

He started college at Dakota Wesleyan University in Mitchell, but interrupted his studies when he enlisted in the Army Air Corp during World War II. Flying a B-24 in Europe earned him the Distinguished Flying Cross for his heroism as a pilot.

When he returned to civilian life, McGovern finished his degree at Dakota Wesleyan and earned his doctorate at Northwestern in Chicago. He returned to DWU in 1950 as a professor of history and political science, where he became a beloved and respected faculty member.

McGovern went on to revive the South Dakota Democratic Party and later became a U.S. Representative and Senator, serving for more than 20 years. He also led Food for Peace under President Kennedy, which created a lifelong passion for feeding hungry people.

In 1968, McGovern made his first run for President after the assassination of Robert F. Kennedy. Hubert Humphrey won the nomination, but McGovern was nominated to run against Richard Nixon in the 1972 election. His landslide defeat was crushing, especially after the Watergate scandal brought about the resignation of Nixon. McGovern persevered through the challenging times and focused more on the causes that were close to his heart.

McGovern worked hard to start a school lunch program that fed students regardless of their family’s income. In 2001, he was named a leader to the United Nations on World Hunger. He also co-founded a worldwide school lunch program with Kansas Senator, Bob Dole.

In 2006, the George and Eleanor McGovern Library and Center for Leadership and Public Service opened on the campus of DWU. The McGovern Museum tells his story with quality state of the art pictures, audio and video.

“McGovern’s leadership and service to others should inspire Americans to carry on his legacy,” Herbert said. “His story can encourage South Dakota’s children to dream big. McGovern’s place in history should never be forgotten.”

For more information on how to purchase an e-book, softcover or hardcover edition visit https://www.amazon.com/author/sarah. nearman.herbert

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