JOINT BASE PEARL HARBOR-HICKAM, Hawaii –
The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency received a United States flag flown at half-staff over the U.S. Capitol following the passing of Sen. Daniel K. Inouye during a ceremony held in the atrium of the DPAA Daniel K. Inouye Center for Excellence on July 17.
The flag flew over the Capitol on Dec. 17, 2012, the day Inouye passed away. It was presented to Kelly McKeague, DPAA director, by Jennifer Sabas, Director of the Daniel K. Inouye Institute and his former chief of staff.
The ceremony recognized Inouye’s commitment to military and public service. Inouye, a Medal of Honor recipient, served in the U.S. Army with the 442nd Regimental Combat Team during World War II before representing Hawaii in Congress for nearly five decades. Throughout his time in the Senate, he remained a strong advocate for the nation’s POW/MIA accounting efforts.
During the ceremony, McKeague reflected on the senator’s lasting impact on the organization.
“The Senator loved this mission because of his connection to it,” said McKeague. “These were his comrades-in-arms that we were searching for. He was our champion and he was the advocate for us.”
McKeague also said that the current building, named in honor of Inouye, stands as a testament to the senator’s unwavering commitment to the mission and his efforts to ensure the organization had a permanent home in Hawaii.
“It wasn't just words, and it wasn't just false commitment,” said McKeague. “It was action that manifested itself in the appropriations we received and, more importantly, this absolutely stunning, beautiful facility.”
Savas, who served alongside Inouye for more than 25 years, recalled his dedication to supporting the agency and advocating for its location to stay in Hawaii.
“The Senator knew that if the mission moved back to Washington, we would not be looking for our warriors in Vietnam and Korea,” said Sabas. “He never gave up because he believed this is where the mission needed to be.”
Sabas explained how he believed its location in the Pacific was essential to fulfilling the mission of accounting for those still missing from past conflicts.
Today, DPAA continues that mission by conducting investigations and recoveries around the world.
“I thank you for all the incredible and important work you all do,” said Sabas. “From me and on behalf of the institute, I could think of no better place for this flag.”
The flag will be permanently displayed in the lobby of the DPAA Daniel K. Inouye Center for Excellence, serving as a reminder of the senator’s enduring support for the nation’s mission to account for missing U.S. service members.