We bring a slice of the world to you through the “Dutch American Heritage Day” Celebration.
Few people realize that the Dutch settled New Jersey and New York as part of its “New Netherlands” settlement before the English took over the province in 1664. In recognition of the period of Dutch settlement in the 1600s, we are honoring our Early Dutch Heritage.
In 1776, after our Declaration of Independence was penned and signed, the Dutch cannons at Fort Orange on the Caribbean Island of Saint Eustace were the first to answer a salute from visiting American warships. this occurred on November 16th, 1776. Thus, the Netherlands was the first nation to recognize the United States of America. This is now known as The First Salute, and November 16th is Dutch American Heritage Day instituted by President George H.W. Bush in 1991.
Note from the editor: this article was published first time on November 7th 2009, edited on June 5, 2012 and last edit on October 28th, 2024.
The day honors the historical and cultural ties between the two nations and celebrates the contributions of Dutch-Americans to the United States, acknowledging their impact on fields like politics, business, and the arts. Dutch-American Heritage Day serves as a reminder of shared values such as freedom, tolerance, and innovation, and continues to promote cultural exchange and understanding between the two countries.
In Los Angeles, the Dutch-American Heritage Day celebration is sometimes scheduled on an alternative date due to various logistical reasons, such as accommodating a larger turnout, aligning with local community events, or avoiding conflicting dates with other festivities. This year, for the first time, an event will also be held in San Diego, expanding the opportunity to honor the shared history between the Netherlands and the United States. These celebrations recognize the significant contributions of the Dutch-American community to the cultural fabric of both cities.
You are invited to join the festivities.
See details and link to RSVP for reception below:
The following speakers will be in attendance:
*Theo Peters, Consul General of the Netherlands in San Francisco (represents the Kingdom of the Netherlands in the 13 westernmost states)
*Reinout Oerlemans, Honorary Consul of the Netherlands in Los Angeles, California
*Marcel van Zweeden, President of the NAF – Southern California Chapter
*Izzy Ramos, NAF-Fulbright scholarship recipient, and recent Sci-Arc graduate
*Dr. W. Martin Kast – Professor of Microbiology & Immunology at USC/Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center
This charitable event is hosted by the Southern California Chapter of the Netherland-America Foundation, which builds on the enduring heritage and values shared between the peoples of the Netherlands and the United States and seeks to further strengthen the bonds between our two countries through exchange in the arts, sciences, education, business and public affairs. The NAF was co-founded by Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1921.
Proceeds from the fundraising event will support the NAF’s programs and causes related to exchange programs of Dutch and American students, Dutch School SoCal and USC/Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center and the Dutch Studies Program at UCLA. The NAF is a not-for-profit 501(c)3 organization. For more information, see https://thenaf.org/.
Hors d’Oeuvres and Dutch delicacies will be served.
Reception includes Open Bar.
Valet parking is included.
SAN DIEGO, Saturday, November 23. 2024.
For RSVP click HERE
LOS ANGELES, Sunday, November 24, 2024.
For RSVP click HERE
