Ken Inouye reflects on how his father, Daniel Inouye, found confidence and purpose at McKinley High School. Inspired by a kind surgeon and a passionate teacher, young Daniel aimed to become a doctor and embrace American ideals—until the attack on Pearl Harbor shifted his path forever.
Ken Inouye shares his father's vivid memories of the Pearl Harbor attack and the seismic shift it caused in their lives. As smoke rose in the distance, Daniel Inouye's dream of becoming a surgeon gave way to a new reality—marked by suspicion, sacrifice, and service. His pre-med training led him to assist in aid stations during the chaotic aftermath.
Ken Inouye recounts his father's deep conviction that war should never be romanticized. Senator Daniel Inouye viewed his service not as a pursuit of glory, but as a sacrifice to protect future generations from suspicion and prejudice. He used his wartime experiences to teach his son—and all Americans—about the harsh realities of combat and the need to safeguard our shared humanity.
From Soldier to Senator
Turning Lessons of War into Public Service
This short series of three videos offer a heartfelt portrait of Senator Daniel K. Inouye, told through the reflections of his son, Ken Inouye. With warmth and candor, Ken shares stories of his father's upbringing in Hawaii, his quiet strength, and the deep values that shaped his life of service. Far from a political retrospective, these glimpses reveal the character of a man defined by integrity, humility, and love—both for his country and his family. Together, the clips offer a powerful complement to Defining Courage, grounding its themes in the personal legacy of one of America's most respected leaders.
The Story Boldly Legacy Project is being funded, in part, by a grant from the Department of the Interior, National Park Service, Japanese American Confinement Sites Grant Program.