Cord Byrd: “on January 3, 1963, Daniel Inouye became a U.S. Senator. Today, 15,036 days later, he has become the fifth longest…”

“on January 3, 1963, Daniel Inouye became a U.S. Senator. Today, 15,036 days later, he has become the fifth longest serving Senator in American history. This is yet another accomplishment in the life and career of a remarkable man and outstanding American. I must point out, however, that his has not been an easy or comfortable life. It has involved overcoming the trials and tribulations of immigration and discrimination. Still, his has been a life of service to our country. During World War II, he served our country in the famed 442d Infantry Regimental Combat Team of World War II, the most decorated Army unit in U.S. history. He was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross, the Bronze Star, the Purple Heart, and the Congressional Medal of Honor, making him one of only seven Senators to have been awarded our Nation's highest military honor. His war-time heroics have now been documented in the film, ``Daniel K. Inouye: An American Story.'' His service to our country continued in the U.S. Senate where he became the first Japanese American ever to serve in the U.S. Congress, and served on the Senate Watergate Committee, the Congressional Iran Contra Committee, the Senate Appropriations Committee, and as Secretary of the Democratic Conference. I am pleased to point out that Senator Inouye will soon cast his 14,000th vote. Personally, I have always appreciated and respected his deep loyalty to the Senate and everything for which it stands.”