WASHINGTON – AARP CEO Barry Rand on Dec. 21 released the following statement on the passing of Sen. Daniel Inouye (D-Hawaii), a recipient of AARP’s 2012 Inspire Award, who passed away on Dec. 17 at the age of 88:
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AARP and our members send our condolences to the family of Sen. Inouye, an American hero and advocate for older Americans.
Upon receiving AARP’s Inspire honor this year Inouye said, “Anyone who is willing to stand in harm’s way on my behalf, I’m with ’em.” His legislative and life’s actions demonstrate that he meant what he said.
We are deeply grateful for the senator’s long and distinguished record of championing issues important to older Americans including social justice, expansion of access to health care services, and enhancing the quality of life for residents of all ages.
For many of our Hawaii members and friends across America, this is an especially personal loss of a long-time friend with whom we fought for decades so that we could have a better society. On behalf of AARP members throughout the nation, we bid him fond aloha as we reflect on the leadership with which he inspired our nation, and the people of Hawaii, for more than a half century.
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AARP is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization with a membership of more than 37 million, that helps people 50+ have independence, choice and control in ways that are beneficial to them and society as a whole. AARP does not endorse candidates for public office or make contributions to either political campaigns or candidates.
It produces AARP The Magazine, the definitive voice for Americans 50+ and the world’s largest-circulation magazine; AARP Bulletin, the go-to news source for the 50+ audience; AARP VIVA, a bilingual lifestyle multimedia platform addressing the interests and needs of Hispanic Americans; and national television and radio programming. including “My Generation” and “Inside E Street.”
The AARP Foundation is an affiliated charity that provides security, protection, and empowerment to older persons in need with support from thousands of volunteers, donors, and sponsors. AARP has staffed offices in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Learn more at www.aarp.org.