Flanders is the most populous part of Belgium and Flemings have had a continuous and sustained role in discovering and settling America. Someone as iconic a symbol as Henry Hudson was surrounded by Flemings. He was recruited by Emanuel Van Meteren (of Antwerp), given maps by Petrus Plancius (of Dranoutre near Ypres) and Judocus Hondius (from Wakken near Ghent) and his contract was signed by Dirck van Os (from Antwerp). George Washington is a direct descendant of the Count of Flanders and Benjamin Franklin, the Roosevelts, Lord Baltimore (the founder of Maryland), a dozen signers of the Declaration of Independence, John Jay (the 1st Chief Justice) and many others have Flemish ancestors. More than 1 million Americans can count ancestors that are Flemish. It is time they are recognized.
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