Daniel Inouye: “13 years ago this month, our late colleague, the Honorable Spark Matsunaga of Hawaii, died while serving in office…”

“13 years ago this month, our late colleague, the Honorable Spark Matsunaga of Hawaii, died while serving in office, abruptly cutting short a distinguished 28-year career in the United States Senate and the House of Representatives. His legacy should not be forgotten, particularly since in recent months, the war has dominated discussions in our Chamber and throughout the world. Sixty years ago, circumstances compelled Senator Matsunaga to become a warrior, and he acted with bravery and valor that resulted in our country awarding him the Bronze Star and two Purple Hearts. Even as a war hero, however, Senator Matsunaga knew the importance of peace and believed that the peaceful resolution of disputes should always be our primary goal. "After serving as a soldier, he went into public service to find a way to end war," his son, former Hawaii State Senator Matt Matsunaga, once said. Like other prominent Americans such as Woodrow Wilson, Jennings Randolph, and Everett Dirksen, Senator Matsunaga envisioned a "Department of Peace" that ideally would be on equal footing with the Department of Defense.”