The Asian American community (as well as all Americans in general) lost one of its heroes yesterday. Robert Matsui passed away at the age of 63 from a rare blood disorder.

As the Associated Press reports, he was an internee during World War II who fought to win reparations and an official government apology for his community and eventually became a leader in the Democratic party. The story also describes some very moving tributes in his honor from major political leaders around the country.

I have followed his career for a while and personally consider him to be a very inspirational role model. Thank you for your work and your life, Congressman Matsui.