Orange pride

I do not consider myself to be a patriot, but whenever “our boys and girls” win at a skating tournament, I cannot but be happy and proud, brushing away a tear or two.

Today all of our competitors at men’s ice speed skating on the 5000m won a medal:
Gold – Sven Kramer
Silver – Jan Blokhuijsen
Bronze – Jorrit Bergsma


If you ever wondered why the Dutch wear orange at tournaments, this has to do with our royal family, the house of Orange-Nassau.
The House of Orange-Nassau has played a central role in the politics and government of the Netherlands — and at times in Europe — especially since William I of Orange (also known as "William the Silent" and "Father of the Fatherland") organized the Dutch revolt against Spanish rule, which after the Eighty Years' War (1568-1648) led to an independent Dutch state (see also my Blip of Jan-8th).
Several members of the house served during this war and after as governor during the Dutch Republic. However, in 1815, after a long period as a republic, the Netherlands became a monarchy under the House of Orange-Nassau.