Main 17th May Page	Norwegian Constitution Day 17 Mai A celebration of self determination and democracy.	Sons of Norway International
	A 17th of May talk is usually given by a politician or some other dignitary, I am neither but I appreciate deeply the value of a constitution and am honored to share my thoughts with you. This is my 54th 17th. Mai. I remember from my childhood going to celebrations in Northern California where I ate good food and old timers got teary eyed. All over the world the 17th is remembered with parades, songs, speeches, and for children ice cream and games. In the United States since the 1890's the 17th has been celebrated in Seattle, Portland, Minneapolis and many smaller cities. It was many years and two 17th's in Norway before I realized the significance of this and other celebrations of self determination. Many 17th speeches have related the joyful feeling of liberation from German domination in 1945, because Norwegian Constitution Day is about freedom, self determination and liberty, who better to appreciate freedom than those who lost it. It is also a day to be thankful and mindful of the United States Constitution and the tolerant National Culture which allows us the freedom to observe this day. Hundreds of years before the 1814 adoption of a constitution our Viking forefathers had lived under laws adopted by the people in gatherings called Tings, gradually strong leaders and their followers consolidated power into Kingships and the majority of people lost the right to influence laws. The kingships consolidated and eventually by 1380 all of Norway was ruled by a king far away in Denmark. Often referred to as the 400 years of darkness the Norwegian people were dominated by Danish educated and speaking officials and aristocracy. Some expressed dissatisfaction by killing the kings representatives but self determination was ended. With the end of the Napolianic wars the Danish King Fredrick was forced by the treaty of Keil to cede Norway to the Swedish King. In April 1814 the Danish Regent called the elected Norwegian Assembly to Eidsvoll to write a constitution. By May 17 1814 the constitution was adopted by the assembly. It insured many rights we take for granted such as, unwarranted searches, equal representation, freedom of speech, freedom of religion and the ability to change the constitution. In Norwegian the constitution is called Grundlov or directly translated ground law. I like that word, the bottom or underlying law, an anchor point. It is changeable but not without careful deliberation and a two thirds majority approval of parliament. Norwegian immigrants to the United States were fortunate to have a new homeland with a constitution guaranteeing liberty and a republic form of government. America was fortunate to receive millions of workers who value a constitution and appreciate the rule of law. These immigrants had a long tradition of caring for each other and supporting their community. A country's constitution is valueless unless supported by the citizens and a constitution can be oppressive unless the citizenry is tolerant and compassionate All over the world people have risked or sacrificed their lives and property by writing and upholding constitutions. Their acts were not for their own short term gain but for the benefit of all. However today we may be creating new economic kingdoms by the manner in which we pledge our fealty with our money, like our Viking forefathers we risk losing freedom of choice and liberty for short term material gain. On this day especially we should reflect on our actions and attitudes as to how they affect respect for the constitution and the lives of those around us. Hurrah for den Syttende Mai and for the United States Constitution which grants us the right to gather and celebrate this day. Be thankful each day for your freedom by guarding against acts that could needlessly restrict the liberty of others. (written May 2000) Ed Gunderson