For Immediate Release, December 18, 2012
Contact: David Early, 202-429-7817

The board of directors and staff of the U.S. Institute of Peace express their deepest condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of U.S. Sen. Daniel K. Inouye of Hawaii, who passed away on Dec. 17. Sen. Inouye was a highly decorated World War II veteran and American statesman who devoted his life to service of his country. His bravery in war was matched by his commitment to public service in the U.S. House of Representatives and U.S. Senate, where he was the president pro-tempore, the Senate's most senior member. Sen. Inouye was known for his strong work ethic and commitment to bipartisanship.

Senator Inouye was last at the U.S. Institute of Peace in December 2011. His support for the Institute was grounded in the belief that the country should invest in international peace as it does in war, which followed from his close relationship with fellow Hawaiian Sen. Spark Matsunaga, who led the congressional effort that culminated in the Institute's creation by the U.S. Congress in 1984. Sen. Inouye sponsored a Senate resolution in 2004 recognizing the Institute’s twentieth anniversary.

Upon hearing the sad news of the Senator's passing, USIP President Jim Marshall said, "The nation has lost a true American statesman. He was a beacon in Congress for reasonableness, thoughtfulness and putting the country first. He will be greatly missed." USIP Board Chairman J. Robinson West said of Senator Inouye: "He demonstrated courage not only in battle, but also the courage of his convictions. He was a committed friend of the Institute and believed deeply in USIP's mission. We are a better nation because of Senator Inouye’s service to our country."

Senator Inouye (D-HI) with National Peace Essay Contest Winner from Hawaii, Matthew Beattie-Callahan, June 2012.

Senator Inouye at a reception at USIP Headquarters, December 2011.

Senator Akaka (D-HI), Senator Inouye and Senator Stevens (R-AK) at USIP Headquarters Groundbreaking Ceremony, June 2008.

Senator Inouye speaking with Former Secretary of State Kissinger at USIP Headquarters Groundbreaking Ceremony, June 2008.

Senator Inouye speaking at USIP's 20th anniversary reception in the Russell Caucus Room, March 2005.