President Barack Obama has issued a proclamation in honor of King Kamehameha Day that extols the courage, leadership and humanity of the man who unified the Hawaiian Islands 200 years ago.

The presidential proclamation issued yesterday reads, in part:  “On this bicentennial King Kamehameha Day, we celebrate the  history and heritage of the Aloha State, which has immeasurably enriched our national life and culture.”

Obama notes the injustice suffered by native Hawaiians as well as their resilience, and he praises “Hawaii’s steadfast sense of community and mutual support.”

“Truly, the Aloha Spirit of Hawaii echoes the American Spirit,” the proclamation reads, “representing the opportunities we all have to grow and learn from one another as we carry our Nation toward a brighter day.”