Senator Daniel K. Inouye (D-HI), J.D. '52, to Deliver Address at Law School Diploma Ceremony

Sen. Daniel K. Inouye

March 24, 2008. Dean Frederick M. Lawrence announced that Senator Daniel K. Inouye, J.D. ’52, will give the address at the Law School Diploma Ceremony on Sunday, May 18, 2008. In making the announcement Lawrence said, “Daniel Inouye is an honored alumnus of our law school and a former member of The George Washington University Board of Trustees. It will be my pleasure to introduce him and our honor to hear him speak about the importance of the legal education he received at GW nearly sixty years ago and that we still provide today.”

Senator Inouye has dedicated his life to public service, first in the armed forces and then in government, for more than six decades. His government service began in the Hawaii after law school, first as a deputy public prosecutor for the city of Honolulu. He broke into politics in 1954 with his election to the Territorial House of Representatives and later won election to the Territorial Senate. When Hawaii became a state on August 21, 1959, Daniel Inouye won election to the U.S. House of Representatives as the new state's first Congressman. He was reelected to a full term in 1960. Elected to the U.S. Senate in 1962, Inouye is currently serving his seventh consecutive term in the Senate.

A nationally known leader and the third most senior member of the Senate, Senator Inouye has played a major role in shaping the defense policies of the United States. He has worked to strengthen the armed forces, and enhance the quality of life for military personnel and their families.

Senator Inouye’s service during World War II proved him a man of great courage and strength. In March 1943, the 18-year-old Inouye, then a freshman in pre-medical studies at the University of Hawaii, enlisted in the U.S. Army's 442nd Regimental Combat Team, the famed "Go For Broke" regiment. Inouye fought in France and Italy, and, having lost his right arm as a result of wounds inflicted in battle, was honorably discharged on May 27, 1947. He returned home as a captain with a Distinguished Service Cross (the second highest award for military valor), Bronze Star, Purple Heart with cluster, and 12 other medals and citations. His Distinguished Service Cross was recently upgraded to a Medal of Honor, the nation's highest award for military valor.

With financial assistance from the G.I. Bill, Inouye graduated from the University of Hawaii and The George Washington University Law School.

Senator Inouye has championed the interests of Hawaii's people throughout his career. In 1993, he was instrumental in engineering the restoration and return of Kahoolawe, an island that had been used as target practice by the military, to the State of Hawaii. He has also fought for improved education and health care for all children, additional jobs for Hawaii's economy, health and human services in rural communities, affordable housing, and the protection of America's natural resources.