[United States Statutes at Large, Volume 123, 111th Congress, 1st Session]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

 
PROCLAMATION 8401--AUG. 21, 2009

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

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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.
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.
BARACK OBAMA