Happy Dutch-American Heritage Day
japra | Nov 16, 2009 | Comments 8
The program was in this building, which just happens to be the location of one of my favourite places–the Library of The Hague.
I had the privilege to go to a very special event this morning. I probably wouldn’t have heard about it except Roxi’s school jazz band was invited to play for it: Dutch-American Heritage Day. What, you’ve never heard it? Actually, neither had I! Here’s what Wikipedia has to say:
As of 1990, November 16 is “Dutch-American Heritage Day”. On November 16, 1776, a small American warship, the Andrew Doria, sailed into the harbour of the Dutch island of St. Eustatius in the West Indies. Only four months before, the United States had declared its independence from Great Britain. The American crew was delighted when the governor of the island, 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. The Dutch recaptured the island in 1784.[10]
Anyway, today’s program was part of a year-long celebration of 400 years of friendship between the Netherlands and the United States. You can read more about that here, if you like.
It sure was a treat to start the week off with some excellent jazz–those kids are GOOD! As you might expect, the ceremony began with the band playing the national anthems. The kids played the national anthem of the Netherlands first and then the American anthem. About two bars into the Star Spangled Banner, I realized this was the first time I’ve heard the American anthem since moving from the States nearly three years ago. Let me tell you, I had a huge lump in my throat and I had to bite the inside of my cheek to keep from crying. Is that silly, or what?
Filed Under: Blog • Expat Life • Featured
About the Author: JaPRA is an expat Texan living in England with her husband (Mr. DJ), their 17-year old daughter (Roxi), and their dog Trudy.
What a neat event. I don’t think it’s silly to be moved by hearing the nat’l anthem – I feel the same way when they show someone singing before a baseball game – for just a second you want to go out and join the armed forces (it only lasts a second though, thank goodness – can you imagine my husband coming home and me telling him, ummm I was watching a baseball game and yada, yada, yada, I joined the U.S.Army).
I guess Francis Scott Key knew what he was doing.
BTW, I had no idea the melody of the SSB was taken from The Anacreontic Song: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anacreontic_Song
Definitely not silly – it’s sweet! It must have been quite a moment actually. I’m glad that you were able to go and hear Roxi play! And hats off to those fabulous Dutch for recognizing American sovereignty!
Lucylucia, I’m learning a lot about America here in the Netherlands. Who knew I could learn so much about my home country by moving away?
I didn’t know anything about this particular bit of Dutch/American history, but there are all sorts of interesting bits of Pilgrim history in Holland.
I’m not surprised that the Star Spangled Banner choked you up. No matter how assimilated I get, I still have moments when I feel (so strongly) my American self.
p.s. Audrey and I will be having Thanksgiving together!
Bee, yes, I am looking forward to visiting Lieden and learning more about the Pilgrims. I think I was asleep during most of my American History classes because for some reason I didn’t realize the Pilgrims were living here in Holland before they went sailed to America.
Wishing you a beautiful Thanksgiving, dear friend! XO
Happy Dutch-American Heritage Day! Sounds like a lovely celebration with a talented jazz band thrown in.
It really was, Christine :-)