Judy Chu: “Earlier this week, our country lost a valiant war hero and one of the greatest statesmen of our time with the passing of…”

“Earlier this week, our country lost a valiant war hero and one of the greatest statesmen of our time with the passing of Senator Daniel K. Inouye. Senator Inouye was an inspirational leader and a true American patriot in every sense of the word. In fact, it's hard to think of the State of Hawaii without Daniel Inouye. Since the moment Hawaii gained statehood in 1959 he has represented the Aloha State in Congress and ensured that Hawaii and others in the Pacific region have access to resources and facilities that many on the continental U.S. take for granted. Even though he was labeled an enemy alien during World War II, he made the decision to enlist in the Japanese American ``Go for Broke'' 442nd regimental combat team. He fought bravely, even as thousands of Japanese Americans were unjustly placed in internment camps at home. In one terrible battle in Italy, he led an assault against a heavily defended ridge. Germans shot at him with machine guns, destroying his right arm. Despite that, he was still able to destroy the German bunker. His bravery earned him the Medal of Honor and the Congressional Gold Medal, and for that alone he will always be remembered as a true American hero. But Senator Inouye's service to our country extends far beyond World War II. He was a trailblazer in politics when there were few Asian Americans. He rose through the ranks, becoming the chairman of the powerful Senate Appropriations Committee and the President pro tem of the U.S.…”