Statehood Day for Hawaii – America’s 50th State
Hawaii’s Statehood Day, observed each year on the third Friday in August, commemorates the day Hawaii became the 50th state of the United States of America: August 21, 1959. There was a point in time after World War II when many thought that Hawaii would become a state–the 49th–before Alaska. Lots of memorabilia were created calling Hawaii the 49th State and one local company named itself “49th State Record Company.”
A song recorded by Auntie Genoa Kiawe bears the 49th State Record Company label. Records like these are hard to find now and are quite collectible. Photo from ebay.
Island Pacific Academy is open on Statehood day with classes for all students. Government offices and public schools observe the day as a holiday and are closed. The Bus runs on a holiday schedule as well on this day.
Statehood Day IPA tidbits:
Over 40 IPA students and faculty/staff have August birthdays. Three students will be celebrating their birthdays on Statehood Day. Happy Birthday to Marley, Max, and Ezri.
Stan Vincent, Secondary Physics teacher who is also part Hawaiian, was 11 years old on the first Statehood Day in 1959. “I was in sixth grade attending school in Kapaa on Kauai,” says Vincent. “I remember there was a big celebration that day, but being an 11 year old boy, I was much more concerned with the girl sitting in front of me in class. ‘Does she like me?’”
The front page of a newspaper celebrates Hawaii’s statehood. Photo from www.pacificislandparks.com
Grade 5 students raise the flags each morning
For more history facts about Hawaii Statehood, visit http://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/hawaii-becomes-50th-state
