WASHINGTON, D.C. / ORANJESTAD, St. Eustatius – St. Eustatius was represented in Washington, D.C. on Thursday during a ceremony marking the 250th anniversary of the island’s historic “First Salute” to the emerging United States in 1776.
Acting Island Governor Sharon Hassell and Commissioner Reuben Merkman attended a reception hosted by Dutch Ambassador Birgitta Tazelaar, where a commemorative mural by New York artist Cynthia Marsh was unveiled. The artwork, commissioned by the Morgan McReynolds Charitable Foundation, depicts the historic moment when Fort Oranje acknowledged the American flag, an event widely regarded as the first official foreign recognition of U.S. sovereignty.
During the ceremony, local leaders reflected on Statia’s role in world history and the lasting ties between the island, the United States and the Kingdom of the Netherlands. The event was linked by livestream with commemorations taking place in the Netherlands, highlighting the shared significance of the anniversary.
After being exhibited in the United States, the mural will be transferred to St. Eustatius, where it will become part of the island’s permanent heritage collection.
