[United States Statutes at Large, Volume 121, 110th Congress, 1st Session]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

 
PROCLAMATION 8128--APR. 19, 2007

Proclamation 8128 of April 19, 2007
Dutch-American Friendship Day, 2007
By the President of the United States of America
A Proclamation
On Dutch-American Friendship Day, we celebrate our longtime friendship
with the Kingdom of the Netherlands and honor the many Dutch Americans
who have made significant contributions to our country.
Our close partnership with the Netherlands dates back to the founding of
our Nation, and it remains among our oldest continuous relationships.
Many of the Pilgrims first sailed for the New World from a Dutch port,
and when a small American warship approached the island of St. Eustatius
in 1776, the Dutch port there gave the American flag its first friendly
gun salute. A few years later, the Netherlands became one of the first
nations to recognize the independence of the United States of America.
The United States and the Netherlands are continuing that tradition of
close cooperation in the 21st century, working together to bring hope
and liberty to places where it has long been denied.
Dutch Americans have enriched the American experience and have helped
write our history, strengthen our character, and shape our society.
Today, we pay tribute to our allies in the Netherlands and recognize the
proud citizens of Dutch ancestry who call America home.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the United States of
America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Con

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stitution and laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim April 19,
2007, as Dutch-American Friendship Day. I encourage all Americans to
celebrate our country's Dutch heritage and the many ways Dutch Americans
have strengthened our Nation.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this nineteenth day of
April, in the year of our Lord two thousand seven, and of the
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-
first.
GEORGE W. BUSH