Staff Reports

Hawaii Senator Daniel Inouye passed away yesterday.  Reports indicate it was from complications from a respiratory infection.  Last night, word came from the local delegation to congress on Inouye’s passing.

Senator Saxby Chambliss, who served with Inouye in the senate, said:

“From his World War II service – for which his grateful nation bestowed its highest honor – to his half-century in the Senate, Daniel Inouye dedicated his life to serving  his country. I was proud to call him a friend. My condolences go out to his wife, Irene, and to the rest of his family.”

Inouye’s fellow democrat, Rep. Sanford Bishop, had this to say:

“Senator Inouye served his nation with distinction, first as a World War II Medal of Honor recipient and then for almost half a century as the U.S. Senator from the State of Hawaii. As Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee and its Subcommittee on Defense, he was a fighter for the men and women of our military and their families. He committed the first $10 million for the construction of the National Infantry Museum at Fort Benning, Georgia—a magnificent memorial to the Infantry Soldier of America’s wars.

Senator Inouye was a zealous defender of the powers of Congress under the Constitution against any infringement by the Executive Branch. His powerful legacy of service and leadership in the Senate will be greatly missed.”

Inouye was a World War II veteran who served in the 442nd Regimental Combat Team, which was made up exclusively of Japanese Americans.  He curtailed medical school to enlist, being promoted to the rank of Captain before being discharged in 1947.  Inouye was seriously wounded by a German rifle grenade, sacrificing his right arm for his nation.