Hawaii Celebrates 50 years of Statehood

Today Hawaii marked its 50^th anniversary as the 50^th state of the United States of America. The Honolulu Advertiser features historical background about statehood via its August 21 online edition here and here.

The Honolulu Advertiser has also published a series of historical photos on the quest for statehood that can be viewed here.

The Star Bulletin has published A Statehood Journey that includes online versions of original stories and photos from 1959.

Of interest is this link to a story about efforts as early as 1849 to secure statehood for the islands.

The state government web site includes this link to its official commemoration of 50 years of statehood.

President Barack Obama, who was born in Hawaii, issued a proclamation today that can be viewed from the White House web site.

The American Presidency Project features a recording of President Eisenhower’s remarks upon signing the proclamation admitting Hawaii to statehood.

Yesterday a group of 50 immigrants were admitted to American citizenship at the Hawaii State Capitol.

No celebration of Hawaii’s statehood could be without a stirring rendition of the Star-Spangled Banner. A 14 year old young lady, Arshiel Calatrava, brought a feeling of pride to an audience assembled at the Hawaii Convention Center. A one reporter put it, “the Pride of Hawaii, the soul of America.” We could not agree more.