Lauderdale Lodge, Fort Lauderdale, Florida
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Our 17th of May was celebrated with the Norwegian Seaman's Church. There was a short church service and a children's parade and concert. Here are some pictures from Liva Willemsen.
17th of May is Norway's Constitution day. We are commemorating the signing of the constitution at Eidsvoll in 1814, 192 years ago. In Bergen, Norway, the celebration starts early in the morning. The students gather in large groups to drive to their teachers houses to wake them up, (and the neighborhood as well), with noise makers, loud music and their voices and slogans. This does not stop until they see the prey in the window or entrance door, and on they go to the next victim, until the dean and all the professors are awakened.
They all gather at the Bergen Wharf for a parade to Festplassen, a square by Lake Lille Lungeg�rd. The 21 Gun salute from Skansen, at 5 AM, starts the procession to Festplassen , On May 17th speeches are made from a stage on a Viking ship, placed there for that purpose. It is also communicated through Bergen Radio. The speeches are fun and full of humor.
The main procession takes place at 11 o'clock, it starts from different places, and join the main procession such that all the onlookers can see everyone, and ends up at Festplassen, where the speech for the day is delivered. In the afternoon, at 5 PM, there is a regatta by the wharf, and playful competitions at the Festplass, enjoyed by young and old alike.
In 1968, King Olav visited Brooklyn NY. In his speech to the Norwegian people, upon his return to Norway, the King said: If you like to see the 17th of May, the way it used to be, you have to go to Brooklyn NY. The Norwegian heritage, tradition and culture is held in high esteem by the Norwegian settlers in USA. Come and join SoN and the Seamans Church May 14th, in a true tradition deep rooted in every Norwegian heart. Come to Immanuel Lutheran Church, and see our heritage in action.
Fraternally: Aage A. Hansen
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