Page:United States Statutes at Large Volume 105 Part 3.djvu/865

 PROCLAMATION 6375—NOV. 14, 1991 105 STAT. 2749 Ribbon Month. I urge all Americans to observe this month with appropriate programs and activities. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have heremito set my hand this thirteenth day of November, in the year of our Lord nineteen hundred and ninety- one, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and sixteenth. GEORGE BUSH Proclamation 6375 of November 14, 1991 Dutch-American Heritage Day, 1991 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation On November 16, 1776, a small American warship, the ANDREW DORIA, sailed into the harbor of the tiny Dutch island of St. Eustatius in the West Indies. Only 4 months before, the United States had declared its independence from Great Britain. The American crew was delighted when the Governor of the island, Johannes de Graaf, ordered that his fort's cannons be fired in a friendly salute. The first ever given by a foreign power to the flag of the United States, it was a risky and courageous act. Indeed, angered by Dutch trading of contraband with the rebellious colonies, the British seized the island a few years later. De Graaf s welcoming salute was also a sign of respect, and today it continues to symbolize the deep ties of friendship that exist between the United States and The Netherlands. After more than 200 years, the bonds between the United States and The Netherlands remain strong. Our diplomatic ties, in fact, constitute one of the longest unbroken diplomatic relationships with any foreign country. Fifty years ago, during the Second World War, Dutch and American servicemen fought side by side to defend the universal cause of freedom and democracy. As NATO allies, we have continued to stand together to keep the transatlantic partnership strong and to maintain the peace and security of Europe. In the Persian Gulf, we joined as coalition partners to repel aggression and to uphold the rule of law. While the ties between the United States and The Netherlands have been tested by time and by the crucible of armed conflict, the Dutch- American heritage is even older than our official relationship. Indeed, it dates back to the early 17th century, when the Dutch West India Company founded New Netherland and its main settlements, New Amsterdam and Fort Orange—better known today as New York City and Albany. From the earliest days of our Republic, men and women of Dutch ancestry have made important contributions to American history and culture. The influence of our Dutch ancestors can still be seen not only in New York's Hudson River Valley but also in Pennsylvania along the Schuylkill River and in communities like Holland, Michigan, where

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