[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 115 (Monday, September 25, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1578]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    WELCOMING THE ``ISLENDINGUR'' IN CELEBRATION OF THE MILLENNIAL 
    ANNIVERSARY OF LEIF ERICSON'S VIKING VOYAGE ACROSS THE ATLANTIC

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ROSA L. DeLAURO

                             of connecticut

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, September 25, 2000

  Ms. DeLAURO.  Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I stand 
today to welcome Ambassador Hannibalsson and the ``Islendingur'' to the 
New Haven Harbor as many gather to celebrate the millennial anniversary 
of Leif Ericson's voyage from Iceland across the North Atlantic to the 
shores of North America. The center of a long historical debate, the 
Viking Sagas come to life with an outstanding cultural exhibit and the 
arrival of the ``Islendingur''--a replica of the Viking Ship 
``Gaukstadaskip'' that sailed 1,000 years ago.
  For centuries, the Vikings did not record their history in books. 
Instead they passed their culture, traditions, and stories generation 
to generation in oral sagas. Much of our knowledge of these courageous 
people comes from the written records of their European neighbors 
which, unfortunately, recounts only a 200-year history as raiders and 
plunderers. It is only in the past century that archeological digs have 
brought credit to the stories of the Norse expansion across the 
Atlantic--bringing a new fascination and excitement for this rich 
culture.
  The most recent archeological work has revealed important evidence of 
the Viking expansion. Uncovering settlements, complex trade networks, 
and well-preserved artifacts has given us tremendous insight into the 
lives of the Vikings. Remarkable mariners, without maps or navigational 
equipment to chart a course, Viking captains, like Erik the Red and 
Leif Ericson, relied on their knowledge of the stars, sun, and the 
patterns of nature to guide them across the seas. When we look at the 
incredible accomplishments of the Icelandic people, we see a group that 
displayed unparalleled courage--leaving everything they knew to 
discover and explore new lands.
  Throughout history, we have witnessed a unique quality in the human 
spirit, a drive to explore beyond what we know and understand, to 
travel into the unknown in search of new experiences. The Vikings 
embodied this drive and it is this spirit that we celebrate today. I am 
honored to rise today and join the Icelandic Millennium Commission and 
the New Haven community in commemorating this very special era of our 
history. My congratulations and best wishes to all.

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