A Celebration on the Hudson: By Achilles R. Schiano

September 10th, 2009 Heather Kovar Posted in Heather Kovar |

This is a long narrative that started 400 years ago when this ship, the Half Moon, (of course this is a replica) sailed into New York Harbor and the origins of the Big Apple were laid by the Dutch explorers. Tueday started a 6-Day culmination of year-long festivities marking the event.


HNLMS Tromp frigate of The Netherlands fires a 21-gun salute while crossing the USS Intrepid, official welcoming ship with Mayor Mike Bloomberg and Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton in attendance, as well as the Prince of Orange and Princess Maxima.


A U.S. warship joins the 11-ship flotilla made up of other Dutch and NATO vessels.


Accompanied by sailboats, large and small, and other assorted craft, the flotilla turned south and headed downstream where a DUTCH TREAT was waiting. Just beyond Bowling Green’s fountain can be seem the lighted tops of a New Amsterdam Village.


This tiny recreation sported genuine Dutch foodstuffs and goods with a windmill added for color and realism.


Taking in the sights after first sampling salmon burgers were two veteran Dutch Marines: Tevinis Ippel (l.) and Peter Pijcke.


Julie and Moe drew onlookers as they showed off different cheeses, including a zesty Gourda our photojounalist wound up buying.


Putting a swing on things is the Royal Netherlands Navy Band. Activities galore–including ship tours, grand prix speedboat racing, art and cultural works, Flying Dutchman sail boat races, a “17th Century” beer tasting competition are just some of the events which end in a massive Harbor Day, Sunday, Sept. 13. The Netherlands’ Prince of Orange and Princess Maxima will kick off a bike tour Sunday at 9:30 a.m.  at the Battery, but other events will go on at five other locales, including Governors Island. Full details will be found at http://www.ny400.org.


Hit it Guys !!

all photos by Achilles R. Schiano

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