Pelosi Remarks at Remembrance Ceremony Honoring Late Congressman Mark Takai
"Aloha. To Sami, Matthew and Kaila, to Mark's parents, Erik and Naomi, sister Nadine, Ronnie, and Nalani, Nikki, Ross, father-in-law Gary, aloha to all of you. Mahalo for sharing Mark with us.
"We're gathered here today in the old House chamber, where Lincoln served, beneath the same clock Lincoln heard ticking and beneath the gaze of Clio: the muse of history – and in the presence of the Vice President of the United States.
"For almost two centuries, Clio and her clock have reminded the men and women in these hallowed halls that our time is short – and that history is watching.
"Mark Takai's service in the Congress, though brief, defines what it means to meet Clio's challenge: facing bravely the judgment of history, earning a worthy place in the honorable heritage of our democracy and using his time well.
"As his family has said, Mark lived his dream. In his service to America and to the people of Hawaii, Congressman Takai embodied our nation's highest ideals. In his fight against cancer, Mark showed the courage and strength that defined the wonderful person he was.
"All of us are heartbroken by the death of our colleague and friend, Mark Takai. His passing is a tragedy, and I know I speak for all of our colleagues when I say that.
"Everyone who had the privilege of knowing Mark knew how devoted he was to his family, his wife, Sami, his children, Matthew and Kaila. I know we're all deeply grateful to Mark's entire family for sharing him with our country for so many years – in the military, in the state legislature of Hawaii and in the United States Congress, especially knowing that that service often took him to the other side of the world from their home in Hawaii.
"When he had only been in Congress a few weeks, I had the privilege of bringing Mark on a Congressional Delegation to Asia. I wish you all could have seen the dignity and the diplomacy with which he engaged in discussion on our national security, our economic interest and human rights. For that special grace, we thank his parents, Naomi and Erik.
"In Burma, Cambodia, Vietnam, Korea and Japan, he upheld our values and was beautifully received – especially in Japan. And we thank Ambassador Sasae for joining us today.
"Whether bringing lei to the 50th Anniversary of Selma – you heard the Senator tell that story. Imagine: he's brand new in Congress, only a few weeks, really, sworn-in, and he had the idea that others must have thought, ‘Why didn't I think of that?'
"Whether bringing lei to Selma or diplomacy to Asia, strength to the Congress or joy to us all, Mark was recognized as a unique and true leader. That is why, Mr. Vice President, we are all very grateful to you for embracing Mark in life – we'll never forget that – and for honoring us with your presence today.
"I hope it is a comfort to Mark's family that so many people mourn your loss and are praying for you at this sad time. May we all be family for as long as the future holds. Mahalo for sharing him with us. Aloha for the future. Thank you."