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Here I would love to share with you our travels and adventures as international mushroom consultants. MEMOIRS about husband Pieter Vedder, who was a SCIENTIFIC PIONEER in Mushroom Cultivation Education. His practical handbook is in 9 languages and is called the MUSHROOM BIBLE: https://mariettesbacktobasics.blogspot.com/2020/08/modern-mushroom-growing-2020-harvesting.html
Showing posts with label United States Flag. Show all posts
Showing posts with label United States Flag. Show all posts

Monday, May 22, 2023

Patriotic Service // Dublin FMC | May 21, 2023

     Of course this year I could not lend my soprano voice for this performance but proudly share it here.
My Pieter managed to go and he sure enjoyed it—even more so after all we've been through and still are going.

Sorry, when I finally wanted to view this myself, as I was able to, it had been changed to private by one brilliant person because of issues with the cross and flames—and that 21 days AFTER performance!

Sunday, May 21, 2023


Well, it seems back but with very weak sound...

ENJOY

Pieter J.C. Vedder is seen under fern, below flag...

Thursday, December 29, 2022

December 30 Fond Memory of our late Congressman J. Roy Rowland

This is also in honor of our late friend J. Roy Rowland who passed away on April 25, 2022
~
We had no idea, that our Georgia Congressman, the Honorable J. Roy Rowland had a special U.S. flag flown over the U.S. Capitol for both of us, on December 30 of 1993.
This on the occasion of our U.S. Citizenship.
It was not before February 15, 1994 that we were presented with this very special flag. Due to the fact that we were still doing International Consulting and not available before that date.
Here at the Dublin Laurens County Chamber of Commerce the above certificate with the flag is being presented to us by Mr. James Vaden Hilburn.

(Sadly Mr. Hilburn died on Friday, May 4 of 2007 in a plane crash). 

We have this certificate framed and it hangs in our office; will show it to you soon!
Here we pose with the United States flag in front of the Chamber building, with Ms. Willie Paulk to the left and Pieter with me in the center and Mr. James Vaden Hilburn to the right.
YES, the Chamber building did get a new coat of paint...!
SOUTHERN CHARM!

Saturday, July 2, 2022

Husband Pieter's 1994, 4th of July Speech

 About time for sharing this special speech by husband Pieter, delivered on the 4th of July at the Dublin stadion before fireworks.
If watching video click on CC Closed Caption!
Pieter has written several speeches in his life time and he spoke at The International Society for Mushroom Science (ISMS) Congress numerous times. 
Always in a foreign language though...
~
The 4th of July 1994

Thanks for the kind introduction; now you know almost all about the two of us. 
For the introduction of a speaker a typical question always is, what is exactly your title?
In a certain booklet we found that there is actually no prouder title than to be an American Citizen. 
Although the weather is not cooperating too well, today we have something really important to celebrate as you all know we celebrate Uncle Sam's 218th Birthday, the birth of this great nation.
In the introduction, you have heard that we are new Americans, although we came to this country already in 1983.
My wife's love–affair with the United States started in April of 1983; her very first visit to the New World.
Some Campbell Soup people taught her at that time some history by visiting Rockford (Grand Rapids), Michigan, where President Ford grew up. They thought maybe she was homesick and thus they brought her to Holland in Michigan. 
She was not homesick but just absorbing all she could about this fascinating New World. 
One of the highlights was the visit to Chestnut Street in Philadelphia; to the Independence Hall—the home of the Liberty Bell, a shrine of Patriotism for all Americans.
There we learned more about Life with a capital 'L' and also about Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. 
The next day we flew to Dublin, Georgia and there we fell deeper and deeper in love with the New World. 
So, in August of 1983, we came to live here.
This was Our Pursuit of Happiness.
Last year we got our American Citizenship and since then we can say: we are Dutch by birth and Americans by choice, and we are proud of both. 
There are a couple of reasons for that pride. Maybe you didn't know, but the Dutch, of any nation, have the longest uninterrupted friendly relationship with the U.S. and for sure we like to keep it that way.
It was on November 16 in 1776, that the Fort on the Dutch Island of St. Eustatius in the Caribbean returned the salute from the American warship Andrea Dorea, as it entered the harbor. 
 This was the first salute by a foreign power to the flag of the United States of America. 
As the history books say: this was a very courageous action by the Dutch, and it enhanced the diplomatic credibility of the United States of America. 
It also gave a strong boost to the moral of the revolutionary troops.
So, today it is 218 years ago that the U.S. has been founded.
In the Dutch tradition, Birthdays always are important events, often celebrated with an all–day open house, birthday gifts etc.
A good question, not only for us but for all immigrants could be: 'Why did you come to the U.S.?
What did we expect to find here what we eventually didn't have in the country where we lived before? 
Although a lot of things have changed since then, the answer will be more or less identical to what brought the founding fathers to this of the world over 200 years ago.
The most important reason for them was the freedom and the space to live in the broadest sense.
The freedom to believe in God in different ways; the freedom to have your own opinion, the opportunity to develop yourself up to the limits etc. 
On this Birthday we should never forget that the Founding Fathers, and after them numerous immigrants, have for sure not chosen the easiest way. They didn't find a paradise; they just found a place with almost unlimited opportunities, but they had to be explored. 
Very important also is that their Freedom was based on a STRONG MORAL AND PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY.
That, in combination with hard work, made this country into what it is today; in our opinion the best country to live in.
We have a number of good reasons to make this statement.
As you perhaps know, or picked up from the introduction, for our job we traveled and still do, all over the world and lived in several countries.
We lived in Dublin, Georgia from 1983 through 1988 and after that in Italy and Indonesia.
We more and more discovered what a great country the U.S. is to live in; we got homesick and looked for every opportunity to return.
With O'Henry we can say, "You can't appreciate home 'till yu've left it... or old glory 'till you see it hanging on a broomstick on the shanty of a consul in a foreign town."
We think Americans in general don't realize how blessed they are, too many things we just take for granted. 
Especially the younger generation should realize that it hasn't been always this good, just travel the world and find out how spoiled in fact we are.
As the Founding Fathers long time ago, we've found our real happiness in this country. 
We often have to answer the question why we've chosen to live in America. 
We think we are able to give a reasonable answer because we can compare.
Our standard answer to that question is: The U.S. is for sure not paradise and not the ideal society because it is built up by some 250 million human beings. But traveling over the world, we can assure you that you will have a hard time to find a better place to live. Therefore, we have good reasons to be thankful and to celebrate the Birthday of this great nation. 
Like in the Dutch tradition, we should not come to a Birthday party with empty hands; one has to carry a gift.
What kind of a gift could we come up with for the Birthday of our country?
The most appropriate gift in our opinion would be that we promise to contribute our share in what the Founding Fathers once started.
They worked hard to develop this country, made it prosperous and a better place to live for everybody. They installed and maintained high moral values, based on a strong believe in God.
They've shown the world that they could handle their freedom.
Our forefathers didn't contribute frivolous gifts to this country.
So, let's celebrate this Birthday of our nation not only with a spectacular firework but let us wrap up a big box for Uncle Sam, containing:
A huge amount of humility, a lot of tolerance, respect for each other and patience, the most of integrity and compassion and a strong will to share freely with others.
Thank you Founding Fathers!
Happy Birthday Uncle Sam, we love this country.
May God bless this nation and all of us.

~

Happy 247th Independence Day!

900 impressions on LinkedIn...


Related links:
{December 30, 1993 U.S. flag flown over U.S. Capitol for both of us!} | previous post by me 
{The Dutch 1st to Salute to the Flag of The United States in 1776} | previous post by me
{4th of July Speech given by my husband Pieter} | previous post by me

Saturday, July 5, 2014

{Happy 238th Birthday USA! - GOD BLESS AMERICA}

Wishing all Citizens of the United States of America a very Happy 238th Independance Day!
This is last year's photo from our home with the US and Georgia flags displayed, for the 237th 4th of July...
A happy husband Pieter in 2004, with our foster-daughter Anita from Indonesia in front of the Liberty Bell in Pennsylvania...
She stayed with us for two months after she graduated from the University Dian Nuswantoro of Semarang

video showing the very first public singing of 'GOD BLESS AMERICA' by Kate Smith
Happy 4th of July!

{237th Independence Day for the United States of America - GOD BLESS AMERICA} | previous post by me
{4th of July Speech given by my husband Pieter} | previous post by me with husband Pieter's speech on the 4th of July to the people of Laurens County about our Immigration to the USA
{Happy 236th Birthday USA!} | previous post by me
{The Dutch 1st to Salute to the Flag of The United States in 1776} | previous post by me
{Dutch - American Heritage Day: November 16 since 1991} | previous post by me about official Proclamation by President George Bush

Thursday, July 4, 2013

{237th Independence Day for the United States of America - GOD BLESS AMERICA}

Wishing all readers in the United States of America a very happy 4th of July as we celebrate our nation's 237th Independence Day! Sharing some photos with you, taken on the 4th of July of 2012. Our home looks different this year but you will get to see that later. Don't forget to watch the 1940 video below with Kate Smith singing: GOD BLESS AMERICA
Flying the Georgia State flag and the United States flag in front of our home.
Happy 4th of July!
The link below will take you to a video showing the very first public singing of 'GOD BLESS AMERICA'. But before you watch, you should also know the story of the song.
The song was originally written by Irving Berlin in 1918 while he served in the U.S. Army at Camp Upton in Yaphank, New York. It was later rewritten in 1938 as a peace song with 'some alterations to reflect the different state of the world' during a time when Nazi Germany was threatening war with Europe.

'God Bless America' was originally introduced and performed live on Armistice Day, November 11, 1938 by Kate Smith on her radio program. It became an immediate hit resulting in popular demand for the sheet music. Afterwards, Berlin established the God Bless America Fund where proceeds from royalties were donated to the Boy and Girl Scouts of America. Read more about it: Kate Smith and her God Bless America, Land That I Love and also about her Awards received as she was honored by every President. Read more here: Kate Smith, just scroll down...

NOW HERE IS HOW 'GOD BLESS AMERICA' SHOULD BE SUNG!

Related links:
{4th of July Speech given by my husband Pieter} | previous post by me
{Happy 236th Birthday USA!} | previous post by me
{The Dutch 1st to Salute to the Flag of The United States in 1776} | previous post by me
{Dutch - American Heritage Day: November 16 since 1991} | previous post by me about official Proclamation by President George Bush

Sunday, December 30, 2012

{1993 Today, the American Flag was flown for both of us...}

We had no idea, that our Georgia Congressman, the Honorable J. Roy Rowland had a special U.S. flag flown over the U.S. Capitol for both of us, on December 30 of 1993.
This on the occasion of our U.S. Citizenship. 
Presentation of the United States Flag with Certificate by Mr. James Vaden Hilburn at the Dublin Laurens County Chamber of Commerce. 
Here we pose with the special United States of America Flag, in front of the Dublin Laurens County Chamber of Commerce.
The Flag of the United States of America
Pieter got my 't'...
Meanwhile our Chamber of Commerce building got a nice coat of paint!
For reading the entire story, just click the link below...

Related link:
{December 30, 1993 U.S. flag flown over U.S. Capitol for both of us!} previous post by me

Wednesday, July 4, 2012

{Happy 236th Birthday USA!}

The 4th of July will be our nation's 236th Birthday, so we will fly the flags again; both the United States and Georgia Flag. For my post of last year's 4th of July, (link you find below) I used the speech my husband Pieter did deliver to our city on the 4th of July in 1994. That will give you a lot more information. Here I just want to show you our flags as we flew them last year. Timely for this year's post. Both of us are very proud to be Dutch by birth and American by choice. The very fact that the Dutch, of any nation, have the longest uninterrupted friendly relation with the USA makes us also proud. Also the Dutch were the first to salute the American flag; read more about that in the link below this post.
Happy 236th Birthday Uncle Sam!
Proudly flying the United States and Georgia State Flags...
To the left you see the big magnolia leaves as I'm standing next to the tree.
Photos are taken around 18:00 o'clock.
We still had green grass early July...
White hibiscus blooming.
Nice view of the white gingerbread in our front porch.
View from the driveway...
Our patriotic felines, Spicy (l) and Sacha (r).
Little Tiggy-Tiger, Sacha's sister, sitting inside the roll of garden hose... She is our mini cat.
Sacha looking down from the front porch...
That's it!
Do you (if American) also fly the flag(s)?
Hope you have a very Happy 4th of July!


Related link:

Wednesday, November 16, 2011

{Dutch - American Heritage Day: November 16 since 1991}


Dutch - American Heritage Day: 1991



By the President of the United States of America, George Bush
A Proclamation

On November 16, 1776, a small American warship, the ANDREW DORIA, sailed into the harbor of the tiny Dutch island of St. Eustatius in the West Indies. Only 4 months before, the United States had declared its independence from Great Britain. The American crew was delighted when the governor of the island, Johannes de Graaf, ordered that his fort's cannons be fired in a friendly salute. The first ever given by a foreign power to the flag of the United States, it was a risky and courageous act. Indeed, angered by Dutch trading and contraband with the rebellious colonies, the British seized the island a few years later. De Graaf's welcoming salute was also a sign of respect, and today it continues to symbolize the deep ties of friendship that exist between the United States and the Netherlands.

After more than 200 years, the bonds between the United States and the Netherlands remain strong. Our diplomatic ties, in fact, constitute one of the longest unbroken diplomatic relationships with any foreign country. 
 
Fifty years ago, during the Second World War, Dutch and American Servicemen fought side by side to defend the universal cause of freedom and democracy. As NATO allies, we have continued to stand together to keep the transatlantic partnership strong, and to maintain the peace and security in Europe. In the Persian Gulf, we joined as coalition partners to repel aggression and to uphold the rule of law.

While the ties between the United States and the Netherlands have been tested by time and by the crucible of armed conflict, the Dutch-American heritage is even older than our official relationship. Indeed, it dates back to the early 17th century, when the Dutch West India Company founded New Netherlands and its main settlement, New Amsterdam and Fort Orange - better known today as New York City and Albany.

From the earliest days of our republic, men and women of Dutch ancestry have made important contributions to American History and culture. The influence of our Dutch ancestors can stilll be seen not only in New York's Hudson River Valley but also in Pennsylvania along the Schuylkill River and in communities like Holland, Michigan where many people trace their roots to settlers from the Netherlands. Generations of Dutch immigrants have enriched the United States with the unique customs and traditions of their ancestral homeland - a country that has given the world great artists, celebrated philosophers, and leaders of international business.

On this occasion, we also remember many celebrated American leaders of Dutch descent. Three presidents, Martin Van Buren, Theodore Roosevelt, and Franklin D. Roosevelt, came from Dutch stock. Arthur Vandenberg, who after World War II played a crucial role in the development of our bipartisan foreign policy, the strategy of containment, and the establishment of NATO, also traced his roots to the Netherlands.

Our Dutch heritage is seen not only in our people but also in our experience as a Nation. Our traditions of religious freedom and tolerance, for example, have spiritual and legal roots among such settlers as the English Pilgrims and the French Huguenots, who first found refuge from persecution in Holland. The Dutch Republic was also among those systems of government that inspired our Nation's founders as they shaped our Constitution.

In celebration of the long-standing friendship that exists between the United States and the Netherlands, and in recognition of the many contributions that Dutch-Americans have made to our country, the Congress, by House Joint Resolution 177, has designated November 16, 1991, as "Dutch-American Heritage Day" and has authorized and requested the President to issue a proclamation in observance of this day.

NOW THEREFORE I, GEORGE BUSH, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim November 16, 1991, as Dutch American Heritage Day. I encourage all Americans to observe this day with appropriate ceremonies and activities.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this fourteenth day of November, in the year of our Lord nineteen hundred and ninety-one, and of the independence of the United States of America the two hundred and sixteenth.

George Bush

EMBASSY OF THE UNITED STATES THE HAGUE - NETHERLANDS | link to proclamation

Monday, July 4, 2011

{4th of July Speech given by my husband Pieter}

Worthwhile sharing this speech by my husband Pieter, given to the people of Laurens County, prior to the fireworks.


The 4th of July 1994
The Uninted States and Georgia State Flag on July 4th 2002
Those weeping ilex trees are no more...
Thanks for the kind introduction; now you know almost all about the two of us. For the introduction of a speaker a typical question always is, what is exactly your title? In a certain booklet we found that there actually is no prouder title then to be an American citizen. Although the weather is not cooperating too well, today we have something really important to celebrate as you all know, we celebrate Uncle Sam's 218th Birthday; the birth of this great nation.
In the introduction you have heard that we are new Americans, although we came to this country already in '83. My wife's love affair with the U.S.A. started in April of '83; her very first visit to the New World. Some Campbell Soup people taught her at that time some history by visiting Rockford, MI, where president Ford grew up. They thought maybe she was homesick and thus they brought her to Holland in MI.
Holland Michigan on the shore of Lake Michigan
She was not homesick but just absorbing all she could about this fascinating new world. One of the highlights was the visit to Chestnut Street in Philadelphia; to the Independence Hall; the home of the Liberty Bell, a shrine of patriotism for all Americans. There we learned more about Life with a capital L and also about Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.
Pieter with  our foster-daughter Anita, in 2004 in front of the Liberty Bell
View from the Hershey hotel in Philadelphia where we stayed

  The next day we flew to Dublin, GA and there we fell deeper and deeper in love with the New World.
From Camden, New Jersey we flew on the Learjet from Campbell Soup to Dublin, Georgia on Saturday, April 23 of 1983
Wearing my red Campbell jacket...

So in August of '83 we came to live here. This was our pursuit of Happiness. Last year (1993) we got our American citizenship and since then we can say: we are Dutch by birth and American by choice and we are proud of both. There are a couple of reasons for that pride. Maybe you didn't know but the Dutch, of any nation, have the longest uninterrupted friendly relationship with the U.S.A. and for sure we like to keep it that way. It was on Nov. 16 in 1776 that the ford on the Dutch island of St. Eustatius in the Caribbean returned the salute from the American warship Andrea Dorea, as it entered the harbour. This was the first salute by a foreign power to the flag of the U.S.A. of America. As the history books say: this was a very courageous action by the Dutch and it enhanced the diplomatic credibility of the U.S.A. It also gave a strong boost to the moral of the revolutionary troops. So, today it is 218 years ago that the U.S.A. has been founded. In the Dutch tradition, Birthdays always are important events, often celebrated with an all day open house, birthday gifts etc. A good question, not only for us but for all immigrants could be: why did you come to the U.S.A? What did we expect to find here what we eventually didn't have in the country where we lived before? Although a lot of things have changed since then, the answer will be more or less identical to what brought the founding fathers to this part of the world over 200 years ago. The most important reason for them was the freedom and the space to live in the broadest sense. The freedom to believe in God in different ways; the freedom to have your own opinion, the opportunity to develop yourself up to the limits etc. On this Birthday we should never forget that the founding fathers and after them numerous immigrants have for sure not chosen the easiest way. They didn't find a paradise; they just found a place with almost unlimited opportunities but they had to be explored. Very important also is that their freedom was based on a strong moral and on personal responsibility. That, in combination with hard work, made this country into what it is today; in our opinion the best country to live in. We have a number of good reasons to make this statement. As you perhaps know, or picked up from the introduction, for our job we traveled, and still do, all over the world and lived in several countries We lived in Dublin from '83 through '88 and after that in Italy and Indonesia. We more and more discovered what a great country the U.S.A. is to live in; we got homesick and looked for every opportunity to return. With O'Henry contribute our share in what the founding fathers once started. They worked hard to develop this country, made it prosperous and a better place to live. They installed and maintained high moral values, based on a strong believe in God. They've shown the world that they could handle their freedom. Our forefathers didn't contribute frivolous gifts to this country. So, let's celebrate this Birthday of our nation not only with a spectacular firework but let's wrap up a big box for Uncle Sam, containing: A huge amount of humility, a lot of tolerance, respect for each other and patience, the most of integrity and compassion and a strong will to share freely with others.
Thank you  Founding Fathers.
Happy Birthday Uncle Sam; we love this country. May God bless this nation and all of us.
Pieter J.C. Vedder


Also for today, Happy 235th Birthday United States of America!!!


Related link:
Husband Pieter's 1994, 4th of July Speech | later post by me with actual video of speech

Sunday, July 3, 2011

{The Dutch 1st to Salute to the Flag of The United States in 1776}

In our home we have a framed print from Philips Melville, from the salute of 11 guns from the Dutch island of Eustatius in the Caribbean to the Andrew Doria that was flying the American Flag. Thus making the Dutch the first foreign nation to salute to the American Flag. This was in November of 1776. Read more: Andrew Doria, scroll towards the bottom. This was given to us on one of the official Dutch American Heritage Days, in Atlanta.  
Andrew Doria receives a salute from the Dutch fort at St. Eustatius, 16 November 1776, the first rendered to the United States Flag by a foreign power, as depicted in this painting by Philips Melville.
Dutch - American Heritage Day: 1991

By the President of the United States of America, George Bush

A Proclamation

On November 16, 1776, a small American warship, the ANDREW DORIA, sailed into the harbor of the tiny Dutch island of St. Eustatius in the West Indies. Only 4 months before, the United States had declared its independence from Great Britain. The American crew was delighted when the governor of the island, Johannes de Graaf, ordered that his fort's cannons be fired in a friendly salute. The first ever given by a foreign power to the flag of the United States, it was a risky and courageous act. Indeed, angered by Dutch trading and contraband with the rebellious colonies, the British seized the island a few years later. De Graaf's welcoming salute was also a sign of respect, and today it continues to symbolize the deep ties of friendship that exist between the United States and the Netherlands.
After more than 200 years, the bonds between the United States and the Netherlands remain strong. Our diplomatic ties, in fact, constitute one of the longest unbroken diplomatic relationships with any foreign country. Read more: The Hague US Embassy. Click on Friendship Day

Related link:

Saturday, January 1, 2011

{Peace and Freedom will Prevail}


It just so happened to be that on the 1st day of January, 2005 another American flag was flown, over Iraq, by the United States Air Force; for both of us.
Signed by all eight members on board, including Capt. William R. Kincaid, Aircraft Commander.
Capt. Kincaid is the nephew of our dear friend Rebecca, who also stood by me during Pieter's surgery time. 
♥♥
They have adopted us into their family and that is a great honor, for both of us.

Pieter and I were very touched by this token of respect, by these brave servicemen.

Presented to 
Pieter Vedder and Mariet VandenMunckhof-Vedder
In recognition of their unwavering support to our nation and its military forces.
"We will not waver, we will not tire; we will not falter, and we will not fail. 
Peace and Freedom will prevail."
President George W. Bush October 7, 2001


This hangs proudly displayed, together with the certificate of the United States of America Flag, that was flown over the United States Capitol on November 30 of 1993. See my previous post: {December 30, 1993 U.S. flag flown over U.S. Capitol for both of us!}
Both are framed by Irok Gallery.


On the side of the organ, where the lamp of Capt. William R. Kincaid's Granddaddy sits proudly.
A family with three generations of pilots who proudly served our nation.

The wooden lamp has been hand turned by the Granddaddy and it is for us a living memory, as we keep it burning on its lowest setting all the time... In honor of another fine and brave man.


This shows the full light...
♥♥
From the bottom of our hearts we wish all our military people:
a Happy New Year.
May God protect and our nation RESPECT them! 

Thursday, December 30, 2010

{December 30, 1993 U.S. flag flown over U.S. Capitol for both of us!}


We had no idea, that our Georgia Congressman, the Honorable J. Roy Rowland had a special U.S. flag flown over the U.S. Capitol for both of us, on December 30 of 1993.
This on the occasion of our U.S. Citizenship.
It was not before February 15, 1994 that we were presented with this very special flag. Due to the fact that we were still doing International Consulting and not available before that date.
Here at the Dublin Laurens County Chamber of Commerce the above certificate with the flag is being presented to us by Mr. James Vaden Hilburn.

(Sadly Mr. Hilburn died on Friday, May 4 of 2007 in a plane crash). 

We have this certificate framed and it hangs in our office; will show it to you soon!
Here we pose with the United States flag in front of the Chamber building, with Ms. Willie Paulk to the left and Pieter with me in the center and Mr. James Vaden Hilburn to the right.
YES, the Chamber building did get a new coat of paint...!
SOUTHERN CHARM!

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