Inouye receives final farewell, military honors at Punchbowl

[ellisonz]

By Star-Advertiser staff
POSTED: 06:55 a.m. HST, Dec 23, 2012
LAST UPDATED: 02:50 p.m. HST, Dec 23, 2012

Four days of public memorials and mourning in Washington D.C. and Hawaii came to a close today as family, friends, colleagues and admirers remembered Daniel K. Inouye — Medal of Honor recipient and longtime U.S. senator — at a simple and somber military service at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific at Punchbowl.

President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle arrived just before 10 a.m. for the ceremony that included remembrances by Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid of Nevada, Adm. Samual J. Locklear III, and Inouye's Senate partner for 22 years, retiring U.S. Sen. Daniel K. Akaka. The president, who delived a eulogy at the National Cathedral in Washington on Friday, did not speak at today's service.

"He was the shining star of the greatest generation," Akaka said.

The ceremony opened at about 10:13 a.m. with a 19-gun cannon salute as Inouye's hearse arrived. The 25th Infantry Division played the "National Anthem" and Amy Hanaialii sang "Hawaii Pono'i" and the "Queen's Prayer" a cappella.

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[CaliforniaPeggy]

1. His is a well-deserved rest.

Safe passage to his soul...

[Iwillnevergiveup]

2. Very moving tribute

for an extraordinary American. Rest in peace, Senator Inouye.