U.S. Senator Daniel Inouye with his wife, Irene Hirano | Photo © Office of Sen. Daniel Inouye

Hawaii bids Aloha to Dan Inouye (1924 – 2012)
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By Heidi Chang

In Hawaii, many are paying their last respects to U.S. Senator Daniel Inouye this weekend. He died last week of a respiratory illness at the age of 88. In a final farewell, President Barack Obama, Hawaii Gov. Neil Abercrombie, and other dignitaries attended a memorial service for the senator at the National Cemetery of the Pacific today. Last night, a public visitation was held at the state Capitol.

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Dan Inouye – NPR story by Heidi Chang 12-23-12

Thousands turned out to bid Aloha to Senator Daniel Inouye, as his casket lay in the Hawaii state Capitol, draped with an American flag.

Inouye is remembered as an American hero. During World War II, he served in a special unit of Japanese-Americans and lost his arm.

Daniel Inouye served in the U.S. Army’s 442nd Regimental Combat Team, whose motto was “Go For Broke” | Photo courtesy Office of Sen. Daniel Inouye

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He was awarded the Medal of Honor for his bravery.

Pres. Clinton awarded Sen. Inouye the Medal of Honor in 2000| Photo courtesy of the Office of Sen. Daniel Inouye

Hawaii Supreme Court Justice, Mark Recktenwald, called Inouye “one of the greatest members of the greatest generation,” which can never be replaced. “But the lessons he taught us, and the example he set will endure. Do what’s right, don’t forget your roots and speak up for those who don’t have a voice.”

In their farewell, people attending the service sang “Aloha Oe.” Until we meet again.

The nation bids farewell to Daniel Inouye in Washington, D.C. 

Earlier, at a memorial service at the Washington National Cathedral, President Obama delivered the eulogy. He spoke about Inouye’s legacy and how the senator inspired him as a kid growing up in Hawaii.

U.S. Sen. Daniel Inouye talks with President John F. Kennedy | Photo courtesy Office of Sen.Daniel Inouye

Daniel Inouye as a child growing up in Honolulu | Photo courtesy Office of Sen. Daniel Inouye

Daniel Inouye
Born: September 7, 1924. Died: December 17, 2012.

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Honolulu Star-Advertiser:
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U.S. Army’s 442nd Regimental Combat Team ” Go For Broke”