Syttende Mai Gala

The Syttende Mai Gala was sponsored by the Norwegian American Chamber of Commerce Mid-Atlantic Chapter together with several other organizations.

The festive event was held at the Key Bridge Marriott in Arlington, Virginia.

The purpose: To celebrate the Norwegian Constitution!

Guests arrived and mingled as they sipped their drinks.

   
   My teacher and friend Sissel                     My new friend Ivar

The ballroom was then opened and everyone went in to sit at their tables. Katharina Brekke Powers, the President of the NACC-MA, gave the welcoming remarks.

Sissel Bakken, a lyric soprano, sang both national anthems.

Lasse Syberson and Karen Doty gave the blessings, in Norwegian and English, respectively.

The Major General Finn Kristian Hannestad toasted King Harald V and Storm Horncastle toasted President Barack Obama.

Hannestad then gave the Keynote Speech.

Our table was #12.

                             

The dessert course was self serve - ice cream with strawberries and 

                                                      Kransekake and Freia chocolate.

                                               Lasse and his friend getting their ice cream.

                                 You could also pick up little Norwegian flags at the dessert table.