[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 71 (Thursday, May 17, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E825]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              IN RECOGNITION OF NORWEGIAN CONSTITUTION DAY

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                        HON. DENNIS J. KUCINICH

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 17, 2012

  Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of the Ohio Norsemen 
as they celebrate Syttende Mai in recognition of Norwegian Constitution 
Day.
  Every year May 17th, or Syttende Mai, is observed by people 
throughout the world in recognition of the National Day of Norway. This 
date marks the anniversary of the 1814 signing of Norway's Constitution 
which declared the nation's legal independence and established a 
government dedicated to the freedom and equality of the Norwegian 
people. The document was inspired by and embodied the ideas of other 
early independence movements, marking a major victory for democracy in 
early 19th century Europe.
  The holiday is celebrated with a prominent display of the nation's 
flag as well as a focus on parades featuring the children of the 
community. Processions are traditionally led by marching bands with 
some participants dressed in traditional Norwegian attire and often 
include speeches by young and old alike.
  The Ohio Norsemen continue the tradition of celebrating their proud 
Norwegian ancestry by holding celebrations, parades, and potlucks 
replete with the foods of Norway. The celebrations held by the Ohio 
Norsemen are in line with a long held American tradition of honoring 
one's cultural ancestry while highlighting the shared democratic values 
embodied by the constitutions of these two nations.
  Mr. Speaker and colleagues, please join me in recognizing the Ohio 
Norsemen as they celebrate and share the culture and heritage of all 
our citizens of Norwegian descent.

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