Proc. 8128 Title 3--The President My Administration is also committed to ensuring that small businesses can compete in the global economy. By continuing to expand trade, we can open new markets for American products, lower prices for consumers, and create better American iobs. Small businesses are the lifeblood of cities and towns across the country, and we salute small business owners, entrepreneurs, and employees for en- hancing our communities and expanding opportunities for all. The hard work and ingenuity of our Nation's small business men and women are helping to sustain America's economic strength. NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim April 22 through April 28, 2007, as Small Business Week. I call upon the people of the United States to observe this week with appropriate ceremonies, activities, and programs that celebrate the accomplishments of small business owners and their em- ployees and encourage the development of new small businesses. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this nineteenth day of April, in the year of our Lord two thousand seven, and of the Independ- ence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-first. GEORGE W. BUSH Proclamation 8128 of April 19, 2007 Dutch-American Friendship Day, 2007 By the President of the United States of Arnerica A Proclamation On Dutch-American Friendship Day, we celebrate our longtime friendship with the Kingdom of the Netherlands and honor the many Dutch Ameri- cans who have made significant contributions to our country. Our close partnership with the Netherlands dates back to the founding of our Nation, and it remains among our oldest continuous relationships. Many of the Pilgrims first sailed for the New World from a Dutch port, and when a small American warship approached the island of St. Eustatius in 1776, the Dutch port there gave the American flag its first friendly gun sa- lute. A few years later, the Netherlands became one of the first nations to recognize the independence of the United States of America. The United States and the Netherlands are continuing that tradition of close coopera- tion in the 21st century, working together to bring hope and liberty to places where it has long been denied. Dutch Americans have enriched the American experience and have helped write our history, strengthen our character, and shape our society. Today, we pay tribute to our allies in the Netherlands and recognize the proud citizens of Dutch ancestry who call America home. NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim April 19, 2007, as Dutch- 44
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