While I am staunchly proud of my American citizenship, birth and home and take every opportunity to soak up all the liberties and privileges of living in this wonderful country, both sets of grandparents emigrated from Norway which gives me a unique 100% Norwegian heritage. I enjoy this lineage and family history and have been to my ancestors’ homeland a couple of times. At one point I was on a path of emigrating and moving there but that is another story for another time.
Today is a holiday in Norway — it is Norwegian Constitution Day or, as I like to say, Norway’s 4th of July. I was there during one Syttende Mai celebration many years ago and it was a wonderful event with children’s parades, lots of Norwegian flags flying, traditional outfits and costumes, and merry celebration. I wish my distant family members (some of whom I still connect with via Facebook) a very happy Syttende Mai. My heart celebrates with you.
And for those of you who are not full Norwegian, or even part Norwegian, feel free to join in anyway. It is an inclusive holiday and welcoming to others of different cultures.
…..Dan at aslowerpace dot net
