At our June graduation ceremony, the US Merchant Marine Academy announced it was awarding an honorary degree to Senator Daniel K. Inouye of Hawaii for Acta Non Verba--"deeds, not words." Today, Maritime Administrator David Matsuda and I finally had the opportunity to present Sen. Inouye that much-deserved award.
From his distinguished service during World War II, for which he was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor, to his 40 years of service on the Senate Commerce Committee, to his current Chairmanship of the Senate Appropriations Committee, Senator Inouye has been a staunch advocate for our nation's Merchant Mariners.
For example, under his Chairmanship for only 2 years (2007-09), the Senate Commerce Committee passed legislation supporting the Maritime Administration, the Merchant Marine Academy, the National Sea Grant College Program, improved ocean and coastal mapping, and maritime pollution prevention.
Now, folks, that's just a single, two-year slice of Senator Inouye's career. So I really see it as a privilege to be able to present him this honorary degree from the Academy.
Acta Non Verba? Senator Inouye is the very spirit of "deeds, not words." And, on behalf of the Merchant Marine Academy, the Maritime Administration, and Merchant Mariners everywhere, I thank him for his devoted service.
Senator Inouye has a long and, really, tireless record of service and sacrifice to the United States, to Hawaii, to the Merchant Marine and transportation community, and to the Merchant Marine Academy. So, this honorary degree--which I am very proud to present--is only a small token of the large esteem and gratitude these communities have for the Senator.
For example, under his Chairmanship for only 2 years (2007-09), the Senate Commerce Committee passed legislation supporting the Maritime Administration, the Merchant Marine Academy, the National Sea Grant College Program, improved ocean and coastal mapping, and maritime pollution prevention.
Now, folks, that's just a single, two-year slice of Senator Inouye's career. So I really see it as a privilege to be able to present him this honorary degree from the Academy.
Acta Non Verba? Senator Inouye is the very spirit of "deeds, not words." And, on behalf of the Merchant Marine Academy, the Maritime Administration, and Merchant Mariners everywhere, I thank him for his devoted service.
In his years in the Senate, the Senator has made a huge and positive contribution. He like Senator Kennedy have made the United States agreat country based on dealing fairly with the poor, the forgotten, and the hopeless and powerless. And created a strong country with a sound national defense and a solid base to build a strong U.S. Merchant Marine. He has done a great job. Best wishes, Michael E. Bailey.
Posted by: Michael E. Bailey | October 14, 2009 at 11:13 PM
John Adams would be smiling.
Posted by: Dean Procter | October 15, 2009 at 06:04 AM
Created a strong country with a sound national defense and a solid base to build a strong U.S.
Posted by: create a free blog | July 30, 2010 at 05:11 AM