Congressman Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) was appointed an Officer in the Order of Orange-Nassau during a ceremony at the home of Dutch Ambassador Christiaan Kröner. Van Hollen, who is of Dutch decent, is Co-Chairman of the Congressional Caucus on the Netherlands.
The Order of Orange-Nassau was created in 1892 as a royal honor by the Dutch monarchy to recognize extraordinary service to society. Her Majesty the Queen is Grand Master of the Order. All nominations for the Order of Orange-Nassau are evaluated on a national basis by the Civil Honors Advisory Commission of the Netherlands.
"I am proud to receive this honor," said Van Hollen. "As Co-Chair of the Congressional Caucus on the Netherlands, I am committed to deepening our nation's ties with such a critical ally."
"I applaud the induction of Representative Van Hollen as an Officer into the Order of Orange-Nassau," said Ambassador Kröner. "As Co-Chair of the Congressional Caucus on the Netherlands, Rep. Van Hollen supports efforts to maintain and expand our enduring friendship and cooperation. I commend him for his leadership in the Congress," added the Ambassador.
Congressional Caucus on the Netherlands Co-Chairman U.S. Rep. Pete Hoekstra, (R-MI), was made an officer as well.