Words cannot convey the profound sadness and sense of loss on the passing of Senator Daniel K. Inouye. A hero of World War II, Senator Inouye devoted his life to serving not only the people of Hawaii, but the entire United States. His leadership in the Senate was inspiring and, as President Pro Tempore and Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee, he bore weighty responsibilities with determination, prudence, and great dignity.
When he was still a soldier, recovering from the loss of an arm in combat, Senator Inouye learned about the Holocaust and began a lifelong attachment to the Jewish people and, later, to Israel. His dedication to Israel's security was unswerving. Our people owe him an immense historic debt. The Iron Dome system that recently intercepted hundreds of terrorist rockets aimed at our homes stands as enduring proof of his commitment to the defense of the Jewish State.
Our people have a long memory, and throughout the thousands of years of our history we have remembered our friends. We will never forget Senator Daniel K. Inouye. To his wife, Irene, son Ken, daughter-in-law Jessica, granddaughter Maggie, and step-daughter Jennifer, know that the State of Israel grieves with you. May his memory be blessed forever.