First Salute to the USA, 1776

There is a unique connection between the small Dutch island Sint Eustatius (known as Statia) and the USA. November 16, 1776 Sint Eustatius gave the first international acknowledgement of American Independence.  “Statia” sold the colonies arms and ammunition, and an American ship approached “Fort Oranje” in the harbor, it shot off a 13 cannon volley for the 13 colonies.  Sint Eustatia’s reply by the Governor was an 11 cannon volley, two less, signifying acknowledgement of a sovereign flag.  Statia, now part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, celebrates this event every November as a holiday and celebration!