Independence Day Aloha Spirit
Ambassador Pamela Hamamoto, U.S. Permanent Representative to the United Nations and Other International Organizations in Geneva, welcomed guests to the U.S. Mission’s 2015 celebration of Independence Day in Hawaii’s Aloha spirit.
“As many of you know, like President Obama, I was born and raised in Hawaii, and the President and I both believe this has shaped who we are today.” Ambassador Hamamoto said. “I believe that growing up surrounded by such incredible diversity…you quickly learn it’s about building relationships and breaking down barriers…that our diversity defines us rather than divides us. As the State with the highest percentage of multi-racial Americans – including me – Hawaii is a true cultural melting pot, where people of all backgrounds strive to live together in harmony. There’s a common core value of courtesy, an absence of prejudice. And that’s the basic idea of the Aloha Spirit. That spirit is Hawaii."
U.S. Mission Photo / Eric Bridiers
Ambassador Hamamoto's Remarks: geneva.usmission.gov/2015/07/07/ambassador-hamamotos-rema...