Congresswoman Matsui Statement on the Passing of Senator Daniel K. Inouye
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Tuesday, December 18, 2012
CONTACT: JONELLE TRIMMER
(202) 225-7163
Congresswoman Matsui Statement on the Passing of Senator Daniel K. Inouye
Congresswoman Doris Matsui (CA-05), released the following statement on the passing of Senator Daniel K. Inouye (D-HI) of Hawaii, President Pro Tempore of the United States Senate:
Last night our country lost an American hero. Senator Inouye was a man who devoted his life to public service, and he will be remembered not only for his distinguished record as a legislative leader, but also for his heroism on the battlefield.
Senator Inouye served with the 442nd Regimental Combat Team during World War II, and earned the nation's highest award for military valor, the Medal of Honor. While many people would have felt they had given enough to their country after serving honorably and being wounded in combat, Senator Inouye felt he had more to offer to this country he loved and so entered politics where he served with conviction and compassion for more than 50 years.
As the highest serving Asian American in our country's history, Senator Inouye was a true inspiration to the Asian American community. As a Member of Congress, my late husband Bob worked closely with Senator Inouye on the movement for Japanese American redress and reparations. Together with colleagues, they helped shape and shepherd the Japanese American Redress Act through Congress, providing compensation and a formal governmental apology to Japanese Americans who were victim to one of our darkest moments as a country.
During his time in the United States Senate, Senator Inouye served as a strong advocate for our nation's veterans. He was instrumental in getting the Congressional Gold Medal awarded to several military units from World War II whose units showed exceptional bravery on the battlefield, and were composed almost entirely of persons of Japanese ancestry. Earlier this year I worked closely with the Senator to ensure the Congressional Gold Medal toured the country, so everyone could learn about the heroism of these military units.
Senator Inouye devoted his life to serving his country, and his legacy will live on for generations. I am honored to have served with him. My thoughts and prayers are with his wife Irene and his family during this difficult time.
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