Syttende mai


photo by Ballard Avenue

It's Norwegian Constitution Day, the day Norway got its independence from Sweden. And this year it's even bigger for this is the centennial of that great day.

Ballard always does Sytennde mai right. We have a parade, music, food, and dancing at the Leif Erikson lodge. All the Norwegians take the day off and that sort of thing is contagious, you know.

Click this link for a recording of the Norwegian national anthem.
Here is a translation of the words:

Yes, we love with fond devotion
T
his our land that looms
Rugged, storm-scarred o'er the ocean,
With her thousand homes.
Love her, in our love recalling
Those who gave us birth.
And old tales which night, in falling,
Brings as dreams to earth

Norseman, whatsoe'er thy station,

Thank thy God, Whose power
Willed and wrought the land's salvation
In her darkest hour.
All our mothers sought with weeping
And our sires in fight,
God has fashioned, in His keeping,
Till we gained our right.

Yes,we love with fond devotion

This our land that looms
Rugged, storm-scarred o'er the ocean,
With her thousand homes.
And, as warrior sires have made her
Wealth and fame increase,
At the call we too will aid her,
Armed to guard her peace.

0 comments: