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By Jennie L. Ilustre
Photos by JLI
Washington, D.C.–The US Postal Service unveiled two commemorative stamps honoring the nation’s Army and Navy Congressional Medal of Honor Recipients at an emotion-filled ceremony, held on November 11 on Veterans Day in this capital.
Two of the honorees were the late US Senator Daniel K. Inouye, who was represented by his widow, and George Sakato, Army Medal of Honor Recipient, World War II, who was among three other fellow medalists present.
In an interview after the ceremony, Irene Hirano Inouye told this writer: “This is a very special day. The Veterans Day is always a time to remember the service of our men and women.”
She added: “I think for the senator, he would want to acknowledge all of the men and women that served with him in the 442nd. Many of them did not return home. The Congressional Medal of Honor was a big honor for him, but I know he accepted it on behalf of all of them.” The 442nd Regiment was the most decorated group in WWII.
Emcee Kenneth J. Terry, board member of the Friends of the National WWII Memorial noted, “Senator Inouye was a key figure in making this Memorial a reality.” 2nd Lt. Inouye distinguished himself in battle in Italy in 1945, continuing to fight despite a shattered right arm. He became a senator, and rose to become Senate pro tempore, the US government’s third highest rank. He passed away in December last year.
‘An Honor to Serve’
“Honoring All Who Served” was the theme of the program, held on November 11 at the National World War II Memorial. The mainstream media covered the event “live.”
Sakato led a one-man rush that killed 12 and captured four in France in 1944. Like the other veterans present, he said, “It was an honor to serve.” Many came with their families from across the country for the ceremony, which started promptly at 9 a.m.
Maryland Gov. Martin O’Malley, keynote speaker and a son of a veteran, said the heroes were ordinary people: father, brother, sister, son and daughter. “Each was asked the question, ‘How big is your love?’” Many died for peace and freedom. He stressed the veterans “call us…to attend to their unfinished work.”
Lt. Gen. Mick Kicklighter, (USA ret.), chairman of the Friends of the National World War II Memorial, paid tribute to the “World War II veterans and their families, other veterans (in the Korean and Vietnam Wars) and their families, and the men and women serving in our Armed Forces…for their service, valor and sacrifice” to keep the freedom not just for the nation, but for the world as well.
He said those who fought for liberty, “including the 400,000 who never came home,” would “never be forgotten.” Of the 16 million Americans who served in WWII, “464 received the Medal of Honor, and more than half were awarded posthumously.”
In his Invocation, Colonel Chaplain James D. Gray included a prayer for the storm-ravaged Philippines, noting that for many American servicemen and women, the Pacific country was “where they first served.”
Robert Vogel, superintendent of the National Mall and Memorial Parks, gave the welcome remarks. US Postal Service Postmaster General Patrick R. Donahoe delivered brief remarks on the dedication of the First-Day-of-Issue Stamp. The US Air Force Band Brass Quintet rendered the National Anthem and a musical tribute. Jeff Burton performed “Amazing Grace” on the bagpipes.
