Syttende Mai at Carderock

Norwegians in the DC Metro Area celebrated Norwegian Constitution Day (Syttende Mai) in grand style in Carderock Park, Maryland.

 The Rockville Brass Band provided music.

Lasse Syverson, the Chairman of the Norwegian Church Committee, welcomed everyone present.

The Norwegian and American national anthems were both sung with great gusto.



Mr. Jon-Age Oyslebo, Minister Counselor at the Royal Norwegian Embassy, gave the 17th of May address.
















Then everyone lined up and marched through the tall grass, proudly waving their  Norwegian flags. (It was not easy, I must say, trudging through the very high grass, especially with long skirts!)










After the parade, the picnic lunch was served with Norwegian hot dogs, popcorn, and ice cream.

Many Norwegians and Norwegian-Americans, adults and children alike, wore their stylish bunads.

Children in foreground with Sons of Norway volunteers Henry (red cap) and Cathy (white sweater) in the background manning the popcorn table. 

The mother is wearing a Bergen bunad. Her earrings show umbrellas with raindrops rather than spoons! (Should have gotten a close-up of these lovely earrings!)

               Jeanne, a visitor from York, PA, proudly wearing her Virtual Pilgrimage pin and Christine 

Two lovely young ladies

My Norwegian friends Urd (in her Voss bunad) and Kjell

The festive event concluded with a variety of games for the children.

Despite the wind chill that must have been in the 40s, a great time was had by all!

A very happy Norwegian American in her new Graffer bunad!