The official statehood celebration highlighted Hawaii as a model for diversity while attempting to dispel misconceptions of the islands as an exotic location separate from the rest of the country.
Others spoke about how the rest of the country should look to Hawaii as a model for how people of different backgrounds can get along, preserve their natural resources and develop renewable power.
President Barack Obama signed a proclamation marking the anniversary and said it was in Hawaii, where he grew up, that he learned from its diversity of cultures how different cultures blend together into one population, made stronger by their shared sense of community.
The proclamation said: "The Aloha Spirit of Hawaii offers hope and opportunity for all Americans. 
WA HAPPM?
