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Get ready to celebrate the special bond between the Netherlands and the United States on Dutch-American Friendship Day, which falls on April 19! This holiday has been observed since 1926 and commemorates the strong cultural and political connections between these two nations. It also serves as a reminder of the enduring friendship and alliance that has existed for centuries. From shared values and traditions to delicious Dutch treats like stroopwafels, there are many reasons to celebrate this day with joy and gratitude. So let's raise a glass (or maybe a tulip) to this wonderful friendship!
<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1625</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>New Netherland Founded</div><div class='timeline-text'>The Dutch West India Company established New Netherland, which later became New York, marking the first Dutch presence in America.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1664</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>British Seize New Netherland</div><div class='timeline-text'>Britain seized control of New Netherland from the Dutch after a bloodless surrender showing the peaceful cooperation between the two nations.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1782</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Dutch Formal Alliance</div><div class='timeline-text'>The Netherlands was the first nation to formally recognize the United States as an independent nation during the Revolutionary War.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1800s</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Dutch Immigration Wave</div><div class='timeline-text'>Significant waves of immigration from the Netherlands to America took place during the 19th century, impacting American culture and society.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1945</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Post-WWII Alliances</div><div class='timeline-text'>The end of World War II solidified the friendship of the United States and the Netherlands, with America aiding in Dutch rebuilding efforts.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1982</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Dutch-American Friendship Day</div><div class='timeline-text'>President Ronald Reagan officially declared Dutch-American Friendship Day to be celebrated annually on April 19.</div></div></div>
<div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Host a Dutch-American potluck</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Invite friends and family over for a potluck featuring dishes from both Dutch and American cuisine. This is a great way to celebrate the cultural exchange between the two countries.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Attend a Dutch festival or event</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Check your local community calendar for any Dutch festivals or events happening on Dutch-American Friendship Day. Attend and immerse yourself in the culture and traditions of the Netherlands.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Learn about Dutch history and culture</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Take some time to read about the history and culture of the Netherlands. This will not only deepen your understanding and appreciation of Dutch-American friendship, but also provide interesting conversation topics for the day.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Exchange cultural gifts with a Dutch friend</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>If you have a Dutch friend, exchange cultural gifts with them to celebrate the day. This could be something as simple as a traditional Dutch snack or a souvenir from your home country.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Watch a Dutch-American film</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Gather some friends and watch a Dutch-American film together. This is a fun and relaxing way to celebrate the day while learning more about the cultural connections between the two countries.</p></div></div>
<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It celebrates a long-standing friendship</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Dutch-American Friendship Day commemorates the strong ties between the Netherlands and the United States, which date back to 1782. It's a day to recognize and appreciate all that these two countries have accomplished together in terms of trade, culture, and diplomatic relations.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It promotes cultural understanding</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>In addition to political alliances, Dutch-American Friendship Day also celebrates the cultural exchange between these two nations. It encourages people to learn more about each other's traditions, history, and way of life - fostering greater mutual understanding and appreciation.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It's a chance to celebrate diversity</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>The Netherlands and the United States are both known for their diverse populations, making this holiday an opportunity to embrace and celebrate differences. It's a reminder that despite our varying backgrounds and cultures, we can still come together as friends and allies.</p></div></div>
<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>1</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Netherlands was a refuge for those seeking religious freedom</h3><p class='facts-content'>In the 17th century, both the Pilgrims and Jews fleeing from Spain and Portugal found a haven in Netherlands before moving on to America.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>2</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>President Martin Van Buren had Dutch roots</h3><p class='facts-content'>The eighth President of the United States, Martin Van Buren, was of Dutch descent, and the first president who was born a U.S. citizen.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>3</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>The largest ethnic museum in the U.S. is Dutch</h3><p class='facts-content'>The Dutch Village in Holland, Michigan, is considered the largest ethnic museum in the U.S., showcasing Dutch architecture, gardens and exhibits on Dutch history.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>4</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Orange carrots come from Netherlands</h3><p class='facts-content'>In the 17th century, Dutch growers developed what we now know as the orange carrot in honor of William III of Orange, which were then brought to American colonies.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>5</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>The Netherlands had a crucial role in American defense</h3><p class='facts-content'>During the Cold War, the Netherlands was a founding member of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), and American troops were stationed in the country as part of the shared defense arrangement.</p></div></div>
Dutch-American Friendship Day is celebrated on April 19 every year. In 2024 Dutch-American Friendship Day will occur on a Friday.
2023
Apr 19
Wednesday
2024
Apr 19
Friday
2025
Apr 19
Saturday
2026
Apr 19
Sunday
2027
Apr 19
Monday
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