Late Sen. Inouye receives Medal of Freedom

HONOLULU (AP) — The late Sen. Daniel Inouye was one of 16 Americans awarded with the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

President Barack Obama presented Inouye’s medal to his widow, Irene Hirano Inouye, at a White House ceremony on Wednesday.

Gov. Neil Abercombie said in a statement he can think of no one more deserving of the medal. He said the senator’s service was the epitome of valor and the Aloha spirit.

Sen. Mazie Hirono said Inouye carried himself with humility and often deflected credit. But she said there’s no doubt his work laid the foundation of modern Hawaii.

Other recipients included former President Bill Clinton, Sally Ride and Oprah Winfrey.

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