HIRONO PRAISES AWARDING OF PRESIDENTIAL MEDAL OF FREEDOM TO SENATOR DANIEL K. INOUYE

Washington, D.C. - Senator Mazie K. Hirono praised President Obama’s announcement today that he is awarding the Presidential Medal of Freedom to Senator Daniel K. Inouye. The award is one of the highest civilian awards bestowed in the United States, along with the Congressional Gold Medal, which Inouye previously received for his World War II service as a member of the 442^nd Regimental Combat Team. Inouye has also received the U.S. military’s highest award, the Medal of Honor.

“Mahalo to President Obama for recognizing Dan Inouye’s life of service with the Presidential Medal of Freedom, one of our nation’s highest civilian honors,” Hirono said. “Senator Inouye deeply cared about Hawaii and our nation, and his many accomplishments will improve the lives of generations to come . Although he carried himself with humility and often deflected credit, there is no doubt his work laid the foundations of modern Hawaii. While no one will ever replace Senator Inouye, we can all honor his legacy by dedicating ourselves to serving and strengthening our communities and nation.”