[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 158 (2012), Part 13]
[Senate]
[Page 17229]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                      REMEMBERING DANIEL K. INOUYE

  Mr. LEAHY. Mr. President, today is the first day since Hawaii became 
a State that it is not represented by Dan Inouye, either as a House 
Member or as Senator.
  As I look at my dear friend's desk with the traditional white 
flowers, I can't tell you how much it pains me. He was one of the 
greatest Members of this body ever to have served and a dear friend to 
so many of us. He was perhaps the best role model for public service 
any American could ask for. Senator Inouye's story is one of great 
passion for his people, commitment to his calling of public service, 
and dedication to finding a better way forward for all Americans, a 
true patriot.
  A soldier in World War II, a veteran of the Armed Forces, he fought 
for the freedom of the Nation he so loved and believed in. The Nation 
finally recognized that, making him a recipient of our Congressional 
Medal of Honor.
  As a representative of Hawaii, he dedicated his career to 
establishing and solidifying a place for his State in Washington so 
generations of Hawaiians to come might know the benefits of what he did 
not have, Federal support for such important causes such as higher 
education, transportation, health care, and security. His advocacy was 
never in vain, and the people of Hawaii benefited immensely from his 
service.
  But I think his efforts to bring people together is unmatched. The 
grace with which he conducted his work should inspire all of us, as it 
does me. He was the man who could reach out to both sides of the aisle, 
make friends and make peace. He poured his heart and soul into the 
Senate. He was first and foremost a person of the Senate, and we all 
felt his passion and concern for the work of this body. There is no 
doubt he is going to be greatly missed in these halls. He was a mentor. 
He was a friend. We traveled together. Our wives were friends.
  The reason I didn't speak last night, I opened my desk and looked 
again--the desk I have now, this seat, I inherited from Dan Inouye--and 
his name is inscribed in it. As the distinguished Acting President pro 
tempore knows, we inscribe our names in our desks, and Dan Inouye's is 
there. When I looked at that last night I was overcome with emotion and 
so I did not speak then.
  I realize I am delaying things a couple of minutes here, but when I 
think of my friend and I think of his name, I remember he said he 
wanted to be remembered as having represented his people and all 
Americans honestly and to the best of his ability. He filled that. He 
filled that. We all know he gave his everything to the Senate, and his 
legacy is for us to continue the work he has done.
  Mr. President, I yield the floor.

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