[Federal Register Volume 74, Number 164 (Wednesday, August 26, 2009)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Pages 43025-43026]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E9-20694]


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  Federal Register / Vol. 74, No. 164 / Wednesday, August 26, 2009 / 
Presidential Documents  

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 Title 3--
 The President

[[Page 43025]]

                Proclamation 8401 of August 21, 2009

                
Fiftieth Anniversary of Hawaii Statehood

                By the President of the United States of America

                A Proclamation

                It is with great pride that our Nation commemorates the 
                fiftieth anniversary of Statehood for Hawaii. On August 
                21, 1959, we welcomed Hawaii into the United States 
                ohana, or family. Unified under the rule of King 
                Kamehameha the Great, it was Queen Lili`uokalani who 
                witnessed the transition to a Provisional Government 
                controlled by the United States. As a Nation, we honor 
                the extensive and rich contributions of Native Hawaiian 
                culture to our national character.

                Borne out of volcanic activity in the Pacific Ocean, a 
                chain of islands emerged that would bear witness to 
                some of the most extraordinary events in world history. 
                From Pu`ukohola Heiau and the royal residence at the 
                `Iolani Palace, to the USS ARIZONA Memorial and luaus 
                that pay tribute to Hawaiian traditions, Americans 
                honor the islands' collective legacy and admire their 
                natural beauty. Home to unique and endangered species, 
                active volcanoes, and abundant reefs, the Hawaiian 
                islands actively conserve their distinctive ecosystems 
                with responsible development and a deep-rooted 
                appreciation for the land and surrounding ocean.

                The Aloha Spirit of Hawaii offers hope and opportunity 
                for all Americans. Growing up in Hawaii, I learned from 
                its diversity how different cultures blend together 
                into one population--proud of their personal heritage 
                and made stronger by their shared sense of community. 
                Our youngest State, Hawaii faces many of the same 
                challenges other States face throughout our country, 
                and it represents the opportunity we all have to grow 
                and learn from each other.

                NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the 
                United States of America, by the virtue of the 
                authority vested in me by the Constitution and laws of 
                the United States, do hereby proclaim August 21, 2009, 
                as the Fiftieth Anniversary of Hawaii Statehood. I call 
                upon the people of the United States to observe this 
                day with appropriate programs, ceremonies, and 
                activities.

[[Page 43026]]

                IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this 
                twenty-first day of August, in the year of our Lord two 
                thousand nine, and of the Independence of the United 
                States of America the two hundred and thirty-fourth.
                
                
                    (Presidential Sig.)

[FR Doc. E9-20694
Filed 8-25-09; 8:45 am]
Billing code 3195-W9-P