Mazie Hirono: “Our country joins the people of Newtown in their grief and loss. Tonight, we also mourn the sudden passing of our friend…”

“Our country joins the people of Newtown in their grief and loss. Tonight, we also mourn the sudden passing of our friend and patriot, Senator Inouye of Hawaii. Senator Inouye loved his family. Our thoughts and prayers are with Irene, Ken, Jessica, and little Maggie. Our sympathies also to his hardworking staff. Senator Inouye loved Hawaii, and his work on behalf of Hawaii is legendary. There is no one person who did more to ensure Hawaii's future than Senator Inouye. He loved his country and received the Medal of Honor in her service. Senator Inouye never forgot where he came from. And I'm proud to say that I represented his dear mother, Kame Inouye, in 1980 when I first ran for the State legislature. I'm proud to count Senator Inouye as my friend since that time. We can best honor Senator Inouye's legacy by continuing to be strong for Hawaii and our country. ____________________”