Senator Hiram Fong Memorial

On behalf of one of the oldest Asian American civil rights organizations, I express the condolences of our members to the family of Senator Hiram Fong. Senator Fong will be remembered as an inspiration for Asian Americans and for his advocacy for civil rights legislation, immigration reform and the elimination of discrimination against Asian Pacific peoples. The Senator was seminal in creating political consciousness across Chinese America. Undoubtedly, the Senatoršs political success planted the seed of possibility for public service in the minds of generations of aspirants, not only in the Aloha State, but also on the Mainland. His winning personality aided in breaking down cultural barriers and helped cultivate acceptance of minorities in the political and public policy arenas. His will be a lasting legacy for generations to come. Saykin Foo Grand (National) President Chinese American Citizens Alliance San Francisco, CA 323-660-9797 Hiram Fong was born Yau Leong Fong on October 15, 1906, to his father Fong Sau Howe, who had immigrated from Kwangtung, China in 1872 to work on a sugar plantation in Hawaii, and his mother who had arrived in Hawaii at the age of ten and worked as a maid. Senator Fong is a legend in his own time. The seventh of eleven children of immigrants, he overcame poverty to become a millionaire, an entrepreneur, and a statesman throughout his illustrious career. He attended Kaliki-Waena Grammar School and graduated from McKinley High School in 1924. After only three years, he graduated Phi Beta Kappa in 1930 from the University of Hawaii and earned a degree from Harvard Law School in 1935. After receiving his law degree, he returned to Honolulu and served as their deputy city attorney. He married his high school sweetheart Ellyn Lo in 1938, the same year he was elected to the Territorial House of Representative. His career was interrupted when he was called to active duty with the Army Air Corps in 1942. He returned in 1944, serving four years as vice-speaker and six years as speaker of the House. During World War II, Hiram saw active duty with the Army Air Corps as a major and judge advocate of the 7th Fighter Command of the 7th Air Force. He later retired as an Air Force Reserve colonel. In 1959 when Hawaii became the 50th state, Hiram became the first Asian American elected to the United States Senate and remains the only Republican Senator elected from the Aloha State. Fong, president of nine companies, was willing to make financial sacrifices to become a public servant. In 1959, he said, "I'm going to lose money. But I'm willing to do that. I'm more than pleased with the bountiful blessings I have received which, even in my fancies, I would not have dreamed and would not have attained but for the opportunities I have received from a democracy." Senator Fong directed his career to civil rights. His amendment to a civil rights bill required auditors at polling places to assure minority-voting rights. He also co-sponsored a 1965 bill, which assured that Asians would be allowed to immigrate in similar numbers as people from other continents. He is also credited with establishing the East-West Center at the University of Hawaii to strengthen relations between the United States and countries in the Asia and Pacific region. He was the recipient of numerous honorary degrees, honors and awards both nationally and internationally. The Horatio Alger Award recognizing business and professional leaders from all walks of American life was presented to him in 1970. The University of Hawaii Founderšs Lifetime Achievement Award cited Hiram Fong as one of our "alumni who have made a significant impact on our lives through their lifetime." On Senator Fong's retirement on January 2, 1977, Democratic Senator Robert C. Byrd of West Virginia declared, "One can only speak of Hawaii in superlatives. Hawaii can, therefore, be proud that it has been represented so well by a man of superlatives, Sen. Hiram L. Fong." In recent discussion, Past Grand President Wilbur Woo and 2nd Grand Vice President Munson Kwok observed that Hiram Fong's career was seminal in laying the groundwork for the increasing success Asian Americans in the political and public sectors. Several Grand Board members of the Alliance have fond recollections of their connection with the Senator. Past Grand President Harvey Wong recalls that Senator Fong was invited by Convention Chair Earl Louie to be a keynote speaker at the 1961Biennial Convention of the Chinese American Citizens Alliance. Paul K.J. Hu, 1st Grand Vice-President of the Alliance, adds, "I recall that Hiram attended one of our C.A.C.A. biennial conventions but which one I cannot recall. When I was introduced to him as Paul Hu during our conversations, he asked if I knew Wai Kee Hu. That's my dad! I replied. It turned out that he had been a family friend for many years in Honolulu during my grandparents' days. Grandpa was known as Akana Hu. I believe that George Leong Suey, then Executive Director, also asked him to help start a Honolulu lodge. Perhaps that's when I met him." Alliance Grand Executive Joan Sung recalls an even more intimate relationship. She relates, "My paternal Grandfather, Kwock Lum, worked at the same sugar plantation as Sen. Hiram Fong's father. My Grandmother had to ride horseback to visit Senator Fong's mother, who was the closest Chinese-speaking woman in the area. The two women helped each other during their childbirths." These stories humanize a great American patriot, whose life inspires all who pursue the American dream. - Paul Hu, 1st Grand Vice-President and Citizenship Committee Chair - Carolyn H. Chan, National Communications Chair