Cord Byrd: “the strength of this Nation lies in its people. Throughout our Nation's history, American men and women have been called…”

“the strength of this Nation lies in its people. Throughout our Nation's history, American men and women have been called upon time and time again to serve the Nation in times of peril. These men and women, at great risk to themselves and without regard to their personal safety, have given their all for their Country. These are the true heroes of America. We have some of such heroes in this body who have given so very much for their country--Senator Max Cleland, Senator Bob Kerrey; there are others. But today I speak of one such American hero, our esteemed colleague, Daniel Inouye. Like many others in this body, I have always thought of Senator Inouye as a national hero. I know of his wartime heroics in France and Italy during World War II. I know of how he fought to protect the troops with whom he served, without regard for his own life. Even though gravely wounded, Lieutenant Daniel Inouye continued to fight, advancing alone against a machine-gun nest that had his men pinned down. I know that, upon returning home, Dan Inouye spent twenty months in Army hospitals after losing his right arm. He came home as a Captain, with a Distinguished Service Cross, a Bronze Star, a Purple Heart with cluster, and twelve other medals and citations.”