PEARL HARBOR, Hawaii — On Friday, the Battleship Missouri Memorial held a special dedication ceremony honoring the late Senator Daniel K. Inouye with a blessing of a new bronze plaque memorializing his service, dedication and connection to the Mighty Mo.

What You Need To Know

  • “Without the efforts made by Senator Inouye, the Mighty Mo would never have been able to call Hawaii its home,” said President and CEO of the USS Missouri Memorial Association Mike Carr

  • The ceremony on Friday was held just one day prior to the 10th anniversary of the senator’s passing

The Battleship Missouri Memorial shared their deep gratitude for Senator Inouye’s service to the United States, the State of Hawaii and community, and the continuous efforts he made to bring the Mighty Mo to its final home at Pearl Harbor’s Pier Foxtrot 5.

“Without the efforts made by Senator Inouye, the Mighty Mo would never have been able to call Hawaii its home,” said President and CEO of the USS Missouri Memorial Association Mike Carr, in a news release. “It is with our deepest gratitude and privilege to memorialize Senator Inouye’s legacy with this bronze plaque to help share his remarkable story and involvement with this historic battleship.”

Kahu Kelekona Bishaw conducted the heartfelt blessing that touched all those in attendance, including the senator’s son, Ken Inouye, daughter-in-law Jessica Inouye, granddaughter Maggie Inouye, close friends and past colleagues.

“It fills me with great joy and pride to see Senator Inouye’s legacy being recognized and honored by the Battleship Missouri Memorial,” said Jennifer Sabas, director of the Daniel K. Inouye Institute. “The bronze plaque and sign provides more than just information, but a promise and commitment to never stop sharing the stories of our country’s heroes.”

The ceremony was held just one day prior to the 10th anniversary of the senator’s passing. The custom bronze plaque sits on the forward bollard and describes the USS Missouri’s connection to Hawaii.

The Mighty Mo is docked a ship’s length away from the USS Arizona Memorial. Referred to as the “bookends” of World War II, the USS Arizona marks the start of America’s entry into World War II on Dec. 7, 1941, and the war’s end when the Instrument of Surrender was signed on the decks of the USS Missouri as it sat in Tokyo Bay on Sept. 2, 1945.

Sarah Yamanaka covers events, environmental and community news for Spectrum News Hawaii. She can be reached at sarah.yamanaka@charter.com.