[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 151 (2005), Part 6]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 8761]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




 HONORING THE 25TH ANNIVERSARY OF QUEEN BEATRIX OF THE NETHERLANDS ON 
                             APRIL 30, 2005

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. PETER HOEKSTRA

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 5, 2005

  Mr. HOEKSTRA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Queen Beatrix of the 
Netherlands on the occasion of the 25th anniversary of her coronation 
as Queen on April 30, 1980. Beloved by the people of the Netherlands, 
millions of Dutch citizens filled the streets of their cities to 
celebrate the event on April 30, 2005.
  Since Queen Beatrix was installed in the Council of State and assumed 
the royal prerogative on her 18th birthday, she has accomplished a 
tremendous amount of good for the Netherlands. After completing 
college, she turned her attention to social welfare and the needs of 
disabled people. She became Patron of the National Fund for the 
Prevention of Poliomyelitis, which was later renamed the Princess 
Beatrix Fund in recognition of her work and contributions. She has 
assumed an active role in the formation of new governments in the 
Netherlands. Her dignity, grace and guiding presence underpin her 
importance as a unifying leader in her country.
  The Netherlands has long been an important ally of the United States. 
From 1625 when the colony of New Amsterdam was first founded by the 
Dutch, the immigrants exemplified the ideals of tolerance, inclusion 
and the notion that hard work and study lead to success--important 
American values that endure today.
  On April 19, 1982, the Netherlands and the United States celebrated 
the 200th Anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations. As 
Queen Beatrix stated at that celebration, ``There are few countries 
whose relations down the centuries have been so genuinely cordial and 
mutually beneficial as those between your great country, Mr. President, 
and my own.'' We thank Her Majesty for her devotion to fostering that 
relationship and join her country in celebrating her long service to 
her Nation. Her enduring leadership continues to provide the strength 
and openness fundamental to helping lead the world against the 
tyrannies of oppression.
  The Congress of the United States thanks Queen Beatrix and wishes her 
continued success.

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