[Federal Register Volume 75, Number 115 (Wednesday, June 16, 2010)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Pages 34307-34308]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2010-14725]


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  Federal Register / Vol. 75, No. 115 / Wednesday, June 16, 2010 / 
Presidential Documents  

[[Page 34307]]


                Proclamation 8534 of June 10, 2010

                
King Kamehameha Day, 2010

                By the President of the United States of America

                A Proclamation

                Two hundred years ago, King Kamehameha the Great 
                brought the Hawaiian Islands together under a unified 
                government. His courage and leadership earned him a 
                legacy as the ``Napoleon of the Pacific,'' and today 
                his humanity is preserved in Ke Kanawai Mamalahoe, or 
                ``the Law of the Splintered Paddle.'' This law protects 
                civilians in times of war and remains enshrined in 
                Hawaii's constitution as ``a unique and living symbol 
                of the State's concern for public safety.''

                On this bicentennial King Kamehameha Day, we celebrate 
                the history and heritage of the Aloha State, which has 
                immeasurably enriched our national life and culture. 
                The Hawaiian narrative is one of both profound triumph 
                and, sadly, deep injustice. It is the story of Native 
                Hawaiians oppressed by crippling disease, aborted 
                treaties, and the eventual conquest of their sovereign 
                kingdom. These grim milestones remind us of an unjust 
                time in our history, as well as the many pitfalls in 
                our Nation's long and difficult journey to perfect 
                itself. Yet, through the peaks and valleys of our 
                American story, Hawaii's steadfast sense of community 
                and mutual support shows the progress that results when 
                we are united in a spirit of limitless possibility.

                In the decades since their persecution, Native 
                Hawaiians have remained resilient. They are part of the 
                diverse people of Hawaii who, as children of pioneers 
                and immigrants from around the world, carry on the 
                unique cultures and traditions of their forebears. As 
                Americans, we can all admire these traits, as well as 
                the raw natural beauty of the islands themselves. 
                Truly, the Aloha Spirit of Hawaii echoes the American 
                Spirit, representing the opportunities we all have to 
                grow and learn from one another as we carry our Nation 
                toward a brighter day.

                NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the 
                United States of America, by virtue of the authority 
                vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the 
                United States, do hereby proclaim June 11, 2010, as 
                King Kamehameha Day. I call upon all Americans to 
                celebrate the rich heritage of Hawaii with appropriate 
                ceremonies and activities.

[[Page 34308]]

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

[FR Doc. 2010-14725
Filed 6-15-10; 11:15 am]
Billing code 3195-W0-P