[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 155 (2009), Part 8]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 10219]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                REGARDING DUTCH AMERICAN FRIENDSHIP DAY

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                         HON. CHRIS VAN HOLLEN

                              of maryland

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, April 21, 2009

  Mr. VAN HOLLEN. Madam Speaker, I rise to commemorate the 227th 
anniversary of formal diplomatic relations between the Netherlands and 
the United States of America.
  On the 19th of April, 1782 in the City of The Hague, the 
Ambassadorial credentials of John Adams were officially recognized by 
Prince William V of Orange, thus establishing formal diplomatic ties 
between the new Government of the United States and the Republic of the 
Netherlands.
  For centuries, the people of the Netherlands and the United States 
have shared a bond that has influenced the culture of our two nations 
and contributed to our mutual prosperity.
  In September, we will celebrate the 400th anniversary of Henry 
Hudson's voyage up what would become known as the Hudson River in New 
York. Hudson's voyage led to the establishment of New Amsterdam and the 
New Netherlands colony. Celebrations commemorating this important event 
have already begun.
  As we reflect today on the commercial bond and strategic partnership 
we have established with the people of the Netherlands over these many 
years, let us not forget how the strength of our alliance and the 
endurance of our friendship has helped make both our countries wealthy 
and stronger and the world more secure as a result.

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