We do not have royals here which many Americans might have been reflecting upon while all of Westminster sang to the Queen who was the only one without her voice raised this morning. We sing to each other about our flag, and we like it that way. But some of our good friends and oldest allies are monarchies. The Netherlands is one of these. The pictures are from September 2009 when a replica of Henry Hudson's Half Moon entered New York Harbor to celebrate the 400th anniversary of that event. We also see Secretary Clinton and Mayor Mike Bloomberg with Dutch Royals at this celebration.
Here is Mme. Secretary's message on Queen's Day in the Netherlands. We also extend congrats to the UK for a fabulous wedding this morning. The throngs in the streets so disciplined moving toward the palace were truly impressive. Spectacular! Best of luck to the royal couple!
Queen's Day in the Netherlands
Press Statement
Hillary Rodham Clinton
Secretary of StateWashington, DCApril 29, 2011On behalf of President Obama and the American people, I congratulate the people of the Netherlands as you commemorate Queen’s Day this April 30.
The Netherlands was one of the first European powers to recognize the United States, cementing our close relationship early in our histories. We celebrate more than 200 years of close diplomatic relations between the Netherlands and the United States, but the ties between our countries and our people go back more than 400 years. Since Henry Hudson landed on Manhattan in 1609, the Netherlands and North America have been inextricably linked.
Today, our partnership is as strong as ever as we work together on a range of global issues. The Netherlands and the United States share a special economic, cultural and military alliance that is building a safer, more peaceful world. This is a partnership based on mutual respect and shared values, including an unwavering commitment to tolerance, freedom, democracy, and justice.
I wish Queen Beatrix and all the people of the Netherlands, Aruba, and the Dutch Antilles a happy celebration, and look forward to deepening this partnership even more as we work for a brighter future for all our people.
