Political Quotes

“Madam President, I thank Senator Hirono for her poignant remarks, and I want to offer my condolences to the family. Senator Daniel Kahikina Akaka died on Friday at the age of 93, leaving behind a legacy of integrity, kindness, and service to Hawaii and to the Nation. In Washington, Senator Akaka was an ambassador of ``aloha.'' He showed people kindness, respect, and hospitality rarely seen in this town. He didn't just represent Hawaii's interests in the Congress; he showed the world what Hawaii represents; in the words of President Kennedy, ``all that we are and all that we hope to be.'' He started that service as a welder in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. He fought in World War II in the Pacific arena, traveling to places like Tinian and Saipan. When World War II ended, he took advantage of the GI bill to attend the University of Hawaii to become a teacher--an occupation he never fully left behind. Senator Akaka served for 36 years in Congress--14 years in the House and 22 in the U.S. Senate. He was loved by colleagues in both parties because he was kind to everyone. In fact, he never said a bad word about anyone, not even in private. The foundation for his kindness came from his faith, which he learned from his mother Annie. He was a faithful attendee of the weekly Senate Prayer Breakfast, where he would lead Members singing hymns. He always began with the history of each song--a tradition he passed on to our own Chaplain, Chaplain Black, who continues it today.…”