The late U.S. Senator Daniel Inouye is remembered fondly for many aspects of his service: being a representative of the people, a provider for the state of Hawaii and an honored war hero. In recognition of this legacy, the US Navy is naming an Arleigh Burke-class destroyer after Inouye, according to a May 23 statement released by U.S. Senator Brian Schatz’s office.
In the statement, the Senator “praised” the Navy, stating, “The naming of this destroyer appropriately honors his life and dedication to service during Pearl Harbor, World War II, and throughout his 58 years in elected office serving the state of Hawaii.” Schatz added, “Senator Inouye represents what it means to be a public servant and Hawaii should be proud of this great honor provided by the Navy.”
While we are indeed proud of all that Senator Inouye did for Hawaii and the entire nation, both in the army during World War II and in congress, we can’t help but wonder if there are, in fact, better monuments for him than a machine called a “destroyer.”
Yes, we understand that such ships serve to defend the nation. Perhaps it’s best that we wish the majority of the inevitable monuments that have yet to be dedicated to Inouye reflect the many decades he spent in public service as a leader and a builder rather than his heroism and accomplishments in war.
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