Press Release
Hurricane Katrina
The Embassy of the United States expresses its gratitude for the expressions of sympathy and the offers of assistance we have received from the Government of the Netherlands and from the Dutch people in the wake of Hurricane Katrina.
Even before the storm had ceased and while the waters in New Orleans continued to rise, the people of the Netherlands were reaching out to us as friends and offering their assistance.
We deeply appreciate the message of solidarity that Her Majesty Queen Beatrix conveyed to President Bush. We were moved by Foreign Minister Bot’s offer of assistance to Secretary of State Rice. And our hearts have been touched by the many private messages of condolence and offers of assistance we have received from people all across the Netherlands.
The Netherlands has for centuries learned to live and to cope with the threat of nature’s fury. Expressions of support and sympathy from the Dutch people, therefore, carry a special meaning to all Americans. And we thank you.
September 2, 2005