Goddag...

 Glad Syttende Mai! Spise! Drikke! Feire!

  (*Translation~ Happy Syttende Mai. Eat! Drink! Celebrate!)

Let’s review the history of Syttende Mai (For my non-Norwegian readers...it's OK. We can't all be perfect):

On May 17, 1814, after ratification by the national assembly organized by the independence movement on May 16, the new Constitution for Norway was signed. The reality was that this Constitution came in context with a very strong movement in Norway for independence from Sweden. Unable to gain international support forced Norway, after a short war, to negotiate with Sweden. Norway was allowed to keep its own Constitution, but had to accept the King of Sweden as its monarch.

This meant that Norway was subservient to Sweden under the King. The vision of and movement for independence continued and was AT LONG LAST brought to fruition on June 7, 1905 when, having revoked the Constitutional amendments which ended the “personal union” with the King of Sweden, the Norwegian Parliament took action to create an independent Norway with its own king. This is a very complicated and interesting process with democratic ideas and processes pressing the whole process.

Today ~Norwegian Constitution Day ~Syttende Mai ~ is the day on which to be mindful of and grateful for the enrichment of our American culture by Norwegian immigrants. Let’s realize that our lives have been enriched, enhanced, and improved with the diversity which immigrants throughout our American history have contributed.
Jeg onsker dere alle, “GOD SYTTENDE MAI!” (*Translation~ I wish you all, “Good 17th of May!”)

Now pass the Lefse!