[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 175 (Wednesday, November 16, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2069]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      DUTCH AMERICAN HERITAGE DAY

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. BILL HUIZENGA

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, November 16, 2011

  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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