Syttende Mai 2019 Celebration

The Music City Vikings Sons of Norway Lodge 5-681 celebrated Syttende mai 2019 at Evelyn McDaniels’ lovely home and manicured backyard in Brentwood, TN on May 18, 2019. Syttende mai is Norwegian Constitution Day, May 17.

Solveig Leithaug led the 25 gathered in the singing of the Norwegian National Anthem and the US National Anthem. Most of the group then picked up their Norwegian flags and paraded through the area despite the 90 degree heat, Norwegian flags blowing in the wind. Group photos were taken to remember the day and the blessing of freedom. 

Everyone was ready for the delicious smörgasbord of barbequed pork, buns, coleslaw, baked beans, fruit salad, herring in cream sauce, flat bread, chips and dips, and a variety of desserts, including ice cream. Norwegians love to eat hot dogs and ice cream on Syttende mai. 

In Norway, the Syttende mai parade is for children and graduating seniors, who wear red overalls called russ. The MCV gathering included two Norwegian teenage boys in our parade, one a Franklin HS graduate this year. 

Guests Dale Higgens and Tim Sorlie, his 17 year old exchange student from Langesund, Norway, drove from near Birmingham, Alabama to celebrate with MCV. Dale brought delicious homemade Norwegian buns to share with the group. Tusen takk to Dale and Tim for spending the afternoon with MCV. 

Of special note, MCV President Oscar Krosnes was not present, as he is recovering from hip surgery and could not attend the Syttende mai celebration. Oscar was missed for his cheery smile and his leadership. Members present signed a card for Oscar and wrote him messages. This was the first Syttende mai Oscar has missed since the forming of the MCV lodge 5-681 ten years ago. 

Several new faces from the Middle TN area attended the celebration and they were warmly invited to future MCV meetings.