August 21, 2009
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
WASHINGTON- Senators Daniel K. Inouye and Daniel K. Akaka joined Hawaii born President Barack Obama in commemorating the 50th anniversary of Statehood today.
“Fifty years ago today the 85th Congress of the United States voted to allow our rich heritage and pristine natural beauty into the Union as the fiftieth state,” said Senator Inouye. “Hawaii remains the best example of the beauty and cooperation created by blending cultures and our natural resources continue to draw visitors from around the world.”
“I am heartened that President Obama makes special reference to the Aloha Spirit in his proclamation. Aloha is Hawaii’s gift to the cultural fabric of the United States,” said Senator Akaka. “While we celebrate this landmark anniversary, we must remember that the privileges of Statehood came with obligations. Hawaii, and the United States, have a sacred trust relationship with the indigenous people of Hawaii that still remains to be fulfilled.”
August 21 marks the 50th anniversary of the execution of Proclamation 3309, signed by President Dwight David Eisenhower, which admitted Hawaii into the Union as the 50th State.
President Barack Obama, who was born and raised in Honolulu, issued a Presidential proclamation today recognizing the 50th anniversary of statehood.
“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,” said President Obama. “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.”
