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Sunday, July 3, 2011

{The Dutch 1st to Salute to the Flag of The United States in 1776}

In our home we have a framed print from Philips Melville, from the salute of 11 guns from the Dutch island of Eustatius in the Caribbean to the Andrew Doria that was flying the American Flag. Thus making the Dutch the first foreign nation to salute to the American Flag. This was in November of 1776. Read more: Andrew Doria, scroll towards the bottom. This was given to us on one of the official Dutch American Heritage Days, in Atlanta.  
Andrew Doria receives a salute from the Dutch fort at St. Eustatius, 16 November 1776, the first rendered to the United States Flag by a foreign power, as depicted in this painting by Philips Melville.
Dutch - American Heritage Day: 1991

By the President of the United States of America, George Bush

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 and 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. Read more: The Hague US Embassy. Click on Friendship Day

Related link:

16 comments:

  1. Dear Mariette,

    I love your wonderful framed print and reading the history between the Netherlands and the United States.
    Many thanks for sharing this, very interesting.
    Wishing you a happy 4th of July.

    Hugs
    Carolyn

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  2. Bello il quadro!Buona festa Mariette!Baci,Rosetta

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  3. kijk Mariette....dat vind ik nou tof he....dat "wij"als zo'n petit landje toch deel uitmaken van zo'n enorme lap geschiedenis he;)..
    Mooi prent btw

    Liefs,

    Dutchie!

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  4. Mariette, ein wunderschönes Gmälde.
    Danke für den geschichtlichen Hintergrund, den ich mit Interesse gelesen habe
    Einen lieben Sonntagsgruß sendet Dir
    Irmi

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  5. interesting post Mariette. It seems ironic that the Dutch supported American independence while keeping the West Indies as their colony?

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  6. Liebe Mariette,

    ein Besuch bei dir darf nicht fehlen.

    Frohe Sonntagsgrüße
    Angela und Elisabeth

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  7. ჱܓOlá, amiga!
    。°✿
    Passei para deixar um abraço.
    Boa semana!
    Beijinhos.
    Brasil

    ✿✿♪

    ♫° 。✿ ✿ჱܓ

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  8. That was a very interesting post. Adorable photos of your cat.

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  9. Dear Mariette,
    what an amazing post. I don't know anything about Nederland history.
    Best greetings, Johanna

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  10. Hello, my dearest Mariette.
    Oh, Dutch - American Heritage Day: November 16. I never knew that Netherlands and America has this ties and bond!!!
    What an APPROPRIATE post for 4th of July. I'll read the link and love to know the history about this day and the warship. It sure is very meaningful and precious day for both of the countries.
    The framed print must be one of the treasures of yours!!!

    Blessing to all of your family, Love, xoxo Orchid.

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  11. I learn something new every day. I love the print.

    xo,
    Dee

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    Replies
    1. Dearest Dee,
      Thanks, most people don't know about this part of history and we are very proud for having been born in the country that is being such a loyal friend to our new country; the United Sates of America.
      Hugs,
      Mariette

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  12. Una felice giornata a Te...ciao

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Thanks for your visit and comment.

Mariette...