U.S. Rep. Colleen Hanabusa was among those at the White House today when President Barack Obama posthumously awarded Sen. Dan Inouye with the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation’s highest civilian honor.

She released a statement, and here’s an excerpt:

Senator Inouye was not driven by medals or awards. He simply, humbly sought to serve, without pride, fanfare, or expectation of recognition. He summed it up best himself when he said, “I represented the people of Hawaii honestly and to the best of my ability. I think I did OK.” 

As we recognize Senator Daniel K. Inouye, we cannot forget the man who always said, whether he was meeting a government leader, a top executive, or the most humble man on the street, “Call me Dan.” 

For his service, his inspiration, his humility and his selflessness, I hope Hawaii and the nation will join me today in saying, “Mahalo, Senator.”

Inouye was one of 16 recipients who received the Medal of Freedom this year

“No one is more deserving of the Presidential Medal of Freedom than Senator Inouye,” Sen. Brian Schatz said in a tweet. “He is Hawaii’s hero and an American hero and great leader.”

“Although he carried himself with humility and often deflected credit, there is no doubt his work laid the foundation of modern Hawaii,” said Sen. Mazie Hirono in a statement.

Photo: Irene Hirano Inouye and Rep. Colleen Hanabusa, the White House, Nov. 20, 2013. (Courtesy Rep. Hanabusa)

—Chad Blair