Durbin Statement on the Passing of Senator Daniel Inouye
[Washington, D.C.] – Assistant Senate Majority Leader Dick Durbin (D-IL) released the following statement today on the death of Hawaii Senator Daniel Inouye:
“The passing of Senator Dan Inouye marks the loss of a truly great American. Facing questions about his loyalty to this country, he volunteered his life serving in a Japanese –American unit in World War II. On the battlefield he demonstrated a level of courage which led to his being awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor. As a Congressman and Senator he brought his beloved Hawaii into the family of states. Above all he was a gentle, caring man who never failed a friend.”
“When a Senator is administered his oath of office, he can choose a colleague to escort him to the well of the Senate. Over the years I chose those escorts carefully to pay tribute to the best of the Senate. In 2002 I chose Dan Inouye and I knew then as I know now that he was an extraordinary American whom I was honored to count as a colleague and friend.”