July 4th flashback: When the Netherlands celebrated U.S. independence

Happy 4th, everyone!

Photo courtesy of the Harris and Ewing Collection at the Library of Congress.

In 1919, the Embassy of the Netherlands entered this float in the National Independence Day Parade. It looks almost real enough to set sail on the Potomac. Alas, these seafarers had just half a ship.

The Netherlands is one of the United States’ oldest allies, with ties dating back to the American Revolution. The Netherlands Embassy today is located in Forest Hills, at 4200 Linnean Avenue.