U.S. Senator Daniel K. Akaka (D-HI) will address a national radio audience on Saturday, May 27, 2006, at 11:05 AM EST (5:05 AM HST).

Senate Democratic Leader Harry Reid asked Senator Akaka, a World War II veteran and ranking Democrat on the Senate's Committee on Veterans' Affairs, to deliver the Democratic Radio Address this Memorial Day weekend. Senator Reid called Senator Akaka, "the perfect choice to address our nation in Saturday's Democratic Radio Address."

"As a veteran, Memorial Day holds special meaning for me," says Senator Akaka. "I am humbled at this opportunity to honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of our freedoms."

The full text of Senator Akaka's address, embargoed until Saturday, May 27, 2006, at 11:05 AM EST (5:05 AM HST), is available on his web site "Newsroom" under "Statements and Speeches."

Senator Akaka also recorded a special Memorial Day message for Hawaii. Radio and television stations may download the recording, which is embargoed until Memorial Day, Monday, May 29, 2006, at:  http://demradio.senate.gov/actualities/akaka/akaka_memorial_day.mp3.