The Americans for Prosperity Foundation – Hawaii will honor Dr. Milton Friedman on July 29 as part of a national day of recognition for the Nobel Laureate, his work, theories and contributions. The Friedman Legacy for Freedom Day is being celebrated in 46 U.S. states and in countries around the world.

The free luncheon is being sponsored by the Foundation for Educational Choice, the continuation of the Milton and Rose D. Friedman Foundation. The event will explore how Dr. Friedman and his free-market theories have benefited mankind and how they can move our country forward amidst current economic uncertainty.

“We decided to create an event this year for students to introduce them to Milton Friedman and his efforts to promote educational choice,” said Jay McWilliams, co-chair of Americans for Prosperity Foundation – Hawaii.

It is the 99th anniversary of the birth of Dr. Friedman, who passed away in November 2006. He is regarded as one of the world’s most influential promoters of economic freedom. He argued that the voluntary choices of individuals, not the dictates of government, should be the default mode of human life. His revolutionary work in economic theory earned him the Nobel Prize in 1976.

“Now, more than ever, our nation and world need the wise ideas of Dr. Friedman,” said Robert Enlow, president and CEO of the Friedman Foundation for Educational Choice. “With the American economy in crisis and the constant threat of increased government control, Dr. Friedman’s simple, profound belief that humans ought to be free carries fresh, urgent relevance.

“We are delighted to have Americans for Prosperity Foundation – Hawaii join us in celebrating Dr. Milton Friedman’s legacy for freedom,” said Enlow.

Although he typically is recognized for his economic contributions, Dr. Friedman spent the last decade of his life fighting to bring educational freedom to all of America’s children. In 1996, he and his wife Rose founded the Foundation for Educational Choice to promote his vision for universal school choice—an idea he first proposed in 1955.

The event will be held on Friday, July 29 at 10:00 at Hawaii Pacific University in Honolulu. For more information, individuals are asked to contact Laura Brown by at 957-0079.