ENROLLED
2016 Regular Session
HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 108
BY REPRESENTATIVE CONNICK
A RESOLUTION
To recognize the common interests and experiences of The Netherlands and the state of
Louisiana and to welcome Jeanne Jenniskens Van Maarseveen and Nicole
Jenniskens to the state capitol.
WHEREAS, The Netherlands and Louisiana have both been influenced throughout
history by the reality of their extensive coastlines; both experience the bounty and the peril
of the sea; the economies of both are heavily influenced by fishing, international shipping,
and all manner of seafaring enterprise; and
WHEREAS, The Netherlands and Louisiana have both faced losses to the forces of
nature; and
WHEREAS, in 1953, a storm surge flooded a large portion of the southwestern
Netherlands, which triggered a vigorous government response; The Netherlands responded
to the tragedy with a highly sophisticated system of dykes and flood gates to protect
residents of the country from the raging sea; and
WHEREAS, in 2005, Hurricanes Katrina and Rita took a toll on the state of
Louisiana and caused significant storm surge and losses to coastal marshes; in January of
2006, a group of Louisiana officials visited The Netherlands to observe firsthand what that
nation has done to protect its people; and
WHEREAS, Louisiana officials saw an extremely sophisticated system of water
management and flood protection that incorporates capital projects, technology, and a
complex policy apparatus aimed at protecting human life; Louisiana has made strides to
support coastal protection and fight erosion since its visit to The Netherlands; and
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WHEREAS, on January 24, 1957, the Holland Club of New Orleans was founded
to bring together citizens and friends of The Netherlands, as well as friends and natives of
Dutch descent who have an active interest in The Netherlands; and
WHEREAS, in July of 1986, several athletes from Louisiana participated in the
International Sports Exchange in Sittard, The Netherlands; and
WHEREAS, April 19, 2016, was recognized as Dutch-American Friendship Day in
the United States to commemorate the anniversary of beginning diplomatic relations
between the United States and The Netherlands; and
WHEREAS, it is appropriate to recognize the common interests and experiences of
The Netherlands and the state of Louisiana, especially those that stem from living with the
benefits and dangers of the sea, and to welcome Jeanne Jenniskens Van Maarseveen and
Nicole Jenniskens to the state capitol.
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the House of Representatives of the
Legislature of Louisiana does hereby recognize the common interests and experiences of The
Netherlands and the state of Louisiana and does hereby welcome Jeanne Jenniskens Van
Maarseveen and Nicole Jenniskens to the state capitol.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a suitable copy of this Resolution be transmitted
to Jeanne Jenniskens Van Maarseveen and Nicole Jenniskens.
SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
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