Dutch-American Friendship Day is observed on April 19 annually. The purpose of this day is to commemorate the start of diplomatic relations between the United States and the Netherlands. The Netherlands was the first country to recognize the independence of the United States of America. In 1782, John Adams, the second president of the United States, was received by the States-General in The Hague as Minister Plenipotentiary of the United States of America. On that same day, John Adams bought a house in The Hague, which became the first American Embassy in the world.
History of Dutch-American Friendship Day
John Adams was a remarkable political philosopher who served as the second President of the United States from 1797 to 1801, after serving as the first Vice President under President George Washington.
John Adams was admitted by the States-General of the Dutch Republic on April 19, 1782, as Minister of the United States of America. Thanks to that, he obtained the second diplomatic recognition of the United States as an independent nation. In that same year, Adams signed the first Treaty of Amity and Commerce between the Netherlands and the United States as America’s first ambassador to the Netherlands. This treaty helped the United States to take its rightful place in the world as a sovereign state. The agreement strengthened the economic ties between the Netherlands and the United States that started in the 17th century.
In 1982 President Ronald Reagan designated this day as Dutch-American Friendship Day. He explained that our relationship is “the United States’ longest unbroken, peaceful relationship with any foreign country.” The relationship between these two nations remains strong today, as evidenced by their robust economic ties and joint efforts in international and NATO missions. The U.S. and the Netherlands have values in common worth celebrating. This day commemorates the 4.5 million Americans who have Dutch heritage. It is also honored the sacrifices the U.S. has made to secure our freedom in the Netherlands.
Dutch-American Friendship Day timeline
Adams is born in the Massachusetts Bay Colony.
He obtains the second diplomatic recognition of the United States as an independent nation.
After serving as the first Vice President under President George Washington, Adams becomes the President of the United States.
He dies on July 4, the 50th anniversary of the adoption of the Declaration of Independence, hours after Jefferson's death.
Dutch-American Friendship Day FAQs
Why did the Dutch help the Americans?
The United States and Dutch merchants were interested in avoiding a conflict with the British.
Do Germany and the Netherlands have a good relationship?
Germany and the Netherlands enjoy close and friendly relations at the level of government and civil society.
Did Adams reside in the executive mansion?
John Adams became the first president to reside in the executive mansion now known as the White House.
Dutch-American Friendship Day Activities
Buy tulips
Tulips are the National Flower of the Netherlands. Buying tulips may be a way to honor and commemorate Americans who have Dutch heritage.
Cook stroopwafel
A stroopwafel is a thin, round waffle, held together by caramel filling, made from two layers of sweet baked dough. It was first made in Gouda, South Holland, Netherlands, and is a well-known treat.
Follow #DutchAmericanFriendshipDay on social media
By following this hashtag, you will find updates on all the latest news about this day. Different celebrations take place around the country, and you should attend one!
5 Interesting Dutch Characteristics
Traditional Dutch clothing
Each region in the Netherlands has its historical clothing, which varies in everyday wear or occasions such as weddings or funerals.
Home to several breweries
Some of the most famous breweries, for example, Heineken, are from the Netherlands.
Dutch cheese
Among the most famous varieties, there are Gouda, Edam, and Reypenaer.
King’s Day
This day is one of the most important Dutch festivals and is celebrated across the country every year on April 27.
The Veluwe
It is a vast natural park in the middle-eastern part of the Netherlands, known for its forests, heather, and sand drifts.
Why We Love Dutch-American Friendship Day
It is a day to recognize the United States as an independent nation
This day aims to remember when the United States gained recognition as an independent nation. The recognition came when the States-General of the Dutch Republic admitted Adams as Minister of The United States of America.
It is a day to commemorate friendship
This day is an opportunity to commemorate the relationship between the Netherlands and the United States. It is an opportunity to celebrate the friendship between Americans and the Dutch.
It is a day to remember Dutch contributions to the United States
The Dutch contributed to the American understanding of freedom of religion. Freedom of religion is considered an inalienable right within the United States. The truth is that many who first voyaged to the New World were attempting to escape religious persecution.
Dutch-American Friendship Day dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | April 19 | Saturday |
| 2026 | April 19 | Sunday |
| 2027 | April 19 | Monday |
| 2028 | April 19 | Wednesday |
| 2029 | April 19 | Thursday |
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