MI HR0358

Declares November 16, 2016, as Dutch-American Heritage Day in Michigan to commemorate Dutch contributions to American independence and development.

Recognizes that on November 16, 1776, batteries at the Dutch port of St. Eustatius fired the first salute to the American flag, uplifting morale during the Revolutionary War.

Notes that the United States maintains the longest continuous diplomatic ties with the Netherlands of any country in the world.

Acknowledges that Michigan is home to over 500,000 Dutch Americans out of approximately 4.5 million Dutch Americans nationwide, with numerous Western Michigan cities founded and named by Dutch immigrants.

Highlights the establishment of a bipartisan Michigan Legislative Dutch Caucus to support economic and cultural engagement with the Netherlands.