At a young age, Inouye was injured, requiring him to get surgery done. From that day onwards, Inouye was fascinated by surgeons and desperately wanted to become one himself.
He continued to pursue his dream to becoming a surgeon all the way through high school. Yet, he never managed to finish his medical degree in college, he dropped out. Rather, he enlisted in the army |
Inouye parents were both Japanese immigrants who were brought to Hawaii. They were brought to Hawaii by their parents who seeked work on the Hawaiian sugar plantations.
Daniel Inouye was born on September 7, 1924. Throughout his childhood, Inouye was always told by this father to never dishonour his family and to never dishonour his country. |
"My father just looked straight ahead, and I looked straight ahead, and then he cleared his throat and said, 'America has been good to us. It has given me two jobs. It has given you and your sisters and brothers education. We all love this country. Whatever you do, do not dishonour your country. Remember – never dishonour your family. And if you must give your life, do so with honour.' I knew exactly what he meant. I said, 'Yes, sir. Good-bye."
–Daniel Inouye