Aloha ‘Oe, Fond Farewell from the Community

Floyd Mori, former national executive director emeritus, Japanese American Citizen Alliance:

As a young Mormon missionary back in 1959, when walking down the Main Street in Hilo, Hawaii, I ran into this distinguished gentleman with one arm. He was quick to shake my hand and tell me how his mother on Oahu often invited the Elders in for a cool drink or a bite to eat. His mother’s kindness is what Senator Inouye shared with us all during his lifetime. That gentleman I met back then, campaigning to be the first congressman from the new State of Hawaii, served us all for over 50 years. May we honor him by doing our share of public service. He was honored with the highest Imperial award for his service to the alliance between the U.S. and Japan.

Daphne Kwok, Chair, Chair of the President’s Advisory Commission on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders:

Senator Inouye demonstrated to all of us that anything is achievable in the United States of America.

Rev. Carolyn Golojuch, MSW, on behalf of PFLAG-Oahu, Hawaii:

I was touched when the Senator held my hand and told me that he was friends with a brave gay soldier in the battlefields of WWII, whom he considered the bravest man he ever knew. Senator Inouye said that he had made arrangements to be buried next to this soldier in Arlington National Cemetery, adding with a twinkle in his eye, “You know, I can arrange things like this.” Senator Dan Inouye was an amazing person on so many levels.

Today I remember Emily Dickinson’s poem:

If I can stop one heart from breaking, I shall not live in vain. If I can ease one life the aching, Or cool one pain. Or help one fainting robin Unto his nest again, I shall not live in vain.

Senator Inouye accomplished so much more than this, millions of times over.

Eric Shinseki, Secretary, Veterans Affairs:

Senator Inouye made public service a noble and honorable calling. Dan Inouye’s courage on the battlefield and in Congress, his passion for making a difference in the lives of average Americans, and his intense modesty spoke volumes about a remarkable American who embodied the bedrock values and quiet virtues of our Nation.

Karen Narasaki, Community Activist:

Having lost one of his arms in World War II, he was a role model for people with disabilities. He was the last sitting senator [helping ] passage of most of the civil rights laws we now take for granted, such as the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965. Despite his very liberal voting record, he was never targeted for partisan bashing because of his reputation for being willing to put partisanship aside. Senator Inouye played a vital role in helping the United States to live up to its most fundamental values of equality and fairness. He will be greatly missed.

Gloria Chan, community leader, immediate past president & CEO of APAICS:

Rest in Peace Senator Inouye. Thank you for showing us that amazing, honest, sincere, values-driven leaders exist in the highest levels of government. Thank you most of all for reminding us to choose wisely, and act courageously in our own lives. Thank you for believing in the best of humanity, and in us. I trust that you are resting peacefully now. Aloha, Senator. May we carry on your legacy.

Gerald Yamada, President Japanese American Veteran Association:

He represented the best of his generation and the best of the Japanese American community. His unsurpassed accomplishments will inspire future generations as to what is possible to achieve in America. We will always be appreciative of his sponsorship of legislative initiatives that were important to veterans and the Japanese American community.

John Trasviña, Asst. Secretary for Fair Housing & Equal Opportunity, U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development:

In 1968, he helped break the filibuster that had blocked the Fair Housing Act. It would have been easy for a senator representing Hawaii to not state the case for action on behalf of mainland cities and people suffering poverty and discrimination. But he spoke eloquently and acted with fortitude.

There is more work ahead of us but we are strengthened by Senator Inouye and the model of quiet but forceful leadership he provided.

Rep. Judy Chu (D-CA), Chair of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC):

He faithfully served the people of Hawaii and the nation at large for nearly half a century. His passing has left a void that cannot be filled. My sincerest condolences go out to his family, loved ones, and the people of Hawaii for their tremendous loss.

Ed Chow, Secretary, Maryland Department of Veterans Affairs

Senator Inouye was a true role model and inspiration to the next generation of Asian-Americans and Pacific Islanders. He remains in our hearts, forever young.

APAICS Board Chair Susan Jin Davis:

Senator Inouye was a pioneer in the APA community on many fronts. Senator Inouye is our model for future leaders in our community. An American hero has been lost and will be missed by all.

International Leadership Foundation Chief Executive Officer Chiling Tong:

For Senator Inouye’s dedication and public service, the ILF was honored to have the opportunity to present him with ILF’s Lifetime Achievement Award in 2010. The ILF Board of Directors and Advisors sends its deepest sympathy to the Inouye Family.

AAA-Fund Chair-Elect Bel Leong-Hong:

In losing Senator Inouye, we lose an iconic hero, a champion, and a giant-not only in our AAPI community, but in the larger American populace.