Each year the senior students called "Russ" have spent the night in preparation of the big day that marks their graduation from school. Most of them have partied all night in their school uniforms and the goal is to see who can stay on their feet the longest. My daughter this year is one of them.
Where am I in all of this? Comforting our dog who we have dosed with Valium because the sounds of a music band petrify her just as much as fireworks. I don't have to go far, several parades with bands pass right outside our window.
All
over Norway, bells chime, guns sound of several solutes and children
line up behind the music to start the parade. In Oslo the Royal family
stands on the terrace of the palace and greets the thousands of children
that pass below them. For Norwegians there is a special meaning behind
this day, one that is separate from a declaration of independence.
During WW2 Norwegians were not allowed by the Germans which occupied
this country to celebrate their national holiday or to honor their flag.
Norwegians would have to celebrate in secret among friends and family.
Today on the 17th of May this beautiful country and its
people celebrate in extra glory knowing full well what it is like not
being able to do so. Today they eat a lot of ice cream because they can!
10 comments:
Hi, I'm just bounding about looking for new things to read. This was an interesting post - and something I knew nothing about! I love the pictures you included - and hope your daughter had a blast :-)
Happy Independence Day! Sorry about your poor dog. He'll really need the Valium in two years when it's for two hundred years.
Independence Day celebrations are full of vigor and life everywhere around the world. I hope you enjoy yours. Poor dog, he has to get used to it one way or another.
Happy Independence Day. One of my Writers' Circle is half Norwegian and is spending her summer over there. Hope the dog recovers - my cat is equally terrified and the Spanish set off fireworks for everything, including each goal their favourite football team scores.
Hi Siv .. great post - lucky you to live so conveniently .. it sounds such a vantage point - and sounds a wonderful celebration .. think about two years hence .. 200 years .. just fantastic ..
Poor dogs and cats and birds and .. and .. and ... they all hate loud unexpected noises ..
Enjoy the day and look after your exhausted daughter when she does eventually get home!!
Cheers and here's to Norway Day .. happy times - Hilary
happy independence day--and hope your little doggie gets on okay
Happy Independence day! That sounds like a lot of fun. Wish I could be there to join the party or take some of your dogs valium. lol
Thank you so much for the visit, comment and tweet! I really appreciate it :-)
Happy Independence Day! (Two days late)
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