Dutch American Heritage Day
Floor Speech
* Mr. HUIZENGA of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, today we recognize Dutch American Heritage Day, a day that honors the strong friendship between our two countries and the many contributions of Americans of Dutch descent.
* It was the Netherlands who first officially recognized the flag of the newly formed United States of America on this day in 1776, and later, The Hague would become the first American Embassy in the world.
* Today, the United States and the Netherlands share a very robust economic relationship. The Netherlands is the third-largest investor in the U.S. Between exports and this investment, our partnership helps to generate over 700,000 jobs in the U.S. In 2010, the Netherlands ranked seventh among all the trading partners the U.S. exports goods to.
* The Netherlands has been a strong ally as well. Dutch troops fought beside Americans in occupied territory during World War II and in conflicts since, as well as serving together in peacekeeping missions across the world.
* The contributions of many great Dutch-Americans have helped shape U.S. history, including three presidents, Martin Van Buren, Theodore Roosevelt, and Franklin D. Roosevelt, as well as numerous cultural figures, including Thomas Edison, Humphrey Bogart, Walter Cronkite, and, more recently, General David Petraeus.
* While a destination for many immigrant settlers, the Dutch have left an influential mark on the Second District of Michigan, both economically and culturally. From cities and villages with Dutch namesakes like Borculo, Drenthe, Holland, and Zeeland, to traditions like the Tulip Festival and Sinterklaas parade, Dutch settlers have shared their heritage proudly with their neighbors.
* Today we celebrate not only a common heritage, but also a friendship that has helped shape America since its birth.
* We are thankful for the contribution of Dutch-Americans not only in West Michigan, but throughout the United States, and look forward to a strong partnership for years to come.
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