From Explorer Ships to Partnerships - A Voyage through U.S.-Belgian Relations (Part 2/3)

From Explorer Ships to Partnerships - A Voyage through U.S.-Belgian Relations (Part 2 of 3): While we celebrated 175 years of official U.S.-Belgian relations in 2007, the ties between us go back more than 400 years. From Pierre Miniut buying Manhattan Island in 1626 to Saint Damien's noble work in Hawaii, Belgians have played a prominent role in building the United States of America. Nearly 3,000,000 immigrants traveled from the Port of Antwerp to Ellis Island en route to new homes in the U.S.

We have been friends and allies in times of war and peace. Thousands of young Americans died along with their Belgian allies fighting for freedom in two world wars. Their sacrifice made possible the achievements that followed the liberation of Europe: the Marshall Plan, the NATO alliance, and the shared prosperity and security that flowed from each.

Our partnership today is as strong as ever as we work together on international peacekeeping missions, economic development and joint research to address some of the world's greatest challenges like HIV-AIDS and cancer.

This film will inspire and move you as it guides you through time and the events that brought our two countries together as partners and friends.

This movie was produced by the Office of Public Diplomacy, American Embassy Brussels, Blvd du Regentlaan 27, B-1000 Brussels - http://belgium.usembassy.gov/

Category:

Education

Tags:

• usa
• america
• belgium
• history
• diplomacy
• embassy
• father damien
• manhattan
• new york
• immigration
• nato
• europe
• united states