Page:United States Statutes at Large Volume 96 Part 1.djvu/108

 96 STAT. 66

PUBLIC LAW 97-170—APR. 12, 1982 Public Law 97-170 97th Congress Joint Resolution

Apr. 12, 1982 [H.J. Res. 410]

Dutch-American Friendship Day.

To designate April 19, 1982, as "Dutch-American Friendship Day".

Whereas on April 19, 1782, in The Hague, the Netherlands, Prince William V of Orange and the States-General officially recognized the ambassadorial credentials of John Adams, thereby establishing formal diplomatic relations between the new government of the United States and the Netherlands; Whereas the diplomatic relationship between the United States and the Netherlands is the longest such relationship between the United States and any foreign country; Whereas the historical relationship between the American and Dutch peoples began approximately four hundred years ago, when the Pilgrims resided in the Netherlands for ten years before sailing to the New World; Whereas Americans of Dutch descent, including Presidents Martin Van Buren, Theodore Roosevelt, and Franklin Delano Roosevelt, have made significant contributions to the United States; and Whereas the bond of friendship between the American and Dutch peoples serves as a model for the good relations that should exist among all peoples of the world: Now, therefore, be it Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Confess assembled. That Apnl 19, 1982, hereby is designated "Dutch-American Friendship Day", and the President of the United States is authorized and requested to issue a proclamation calling upon the people of the United States to observe such day with appropriate ceremonies and activities. Approved April 12, 1982.

LEGISLATIVE HISTORY—H.J. Res. 410: CONGRESSIONAL RECORD, Vol. 128 (1982): Mar. 30, considered and passed House. Mar. 31, considered and passed Senate.

�