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NORWEGIAN CONSTITUTION DAY
"Grunnlovsdag,"commonly known as "Syttende Mai" or the 17th of May is a celebration of the day in 1814 when Norway’s constitution was signed in the town of Eidsvoll, Norway.

In the Greater Seattle area, the day has been celebrated since 1889 with proclamations, speeches, and a parade. Enjoy life and the freedom we have. Join us in the celebration of both.

When most people think of the 17th of May Celebration they usually remember the parade, which is one of the largest ethnic parades in the United States with over 100 units every year. After all, everyone loves a parade, especially the children. But there is much more to the 17th of May Celebration in Seattle than the parade, and you can find out about all of the celebration on this Web site!


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GRAND MARSHAL - KNUT BRAKSTAD 
Private Secretary to His Majesty King Harald of Norway.

Knut Brakstad was born in Molde, Norway, in 1956. He holds a university degree in theology, and has also studied law, journalism and languages. Mr. Brakstad's work includes service in Sterkoder Mekaniske Verksted in Kristiansund, The Norwegian Navy, Foreign Ministry of Norway, the Norwegian Church and the Lillehammer Olympic Organizing Committee.
Knut Brakstad has been Private Secretary for His Majesty, the King of Norway, for the past 17 years and has also served as Vice President of the Norse Federation for 16 years.  Mr. Brakstad has been honored by the King with the Order of St. Olav, and has also received several foreign decorations. He will be the featured speaker at our luncheon.  


HONORARY MARSHAL -  LAURA LOGE

Soprano Laura Loge is a gifted opera singer who specializes in Norwegian music representing her heritage. Laura will be performing at the luncheon, accompanied by pianist Glenda Williams. To find out more about Laura see our Featured Guest page.  

 



HONORARY MARSHAL - KNUT EINARSEN

Long time supporter of Seattle's 17th of May, Knut Einarsen was born in Skarsta, Norway (Nordland) in 1914. He immigrated to Seattle in 1948 where he fished halibut for 35 years and worked as a laborer for 24 years.  Knut is a WWII hero, Heroes in our backyard and has become a hero here as well. His lifetime of service to our Norwegian American community includes 1200 hours to help build the Sons of Norway Leif Erikson Lodge, which he joined in 1949. Knut and his wife Haldis actively participate in many Norwegian events and Knut has served our community faithfully for over 50 years. Knut and Haldis will celebrate their 70th wedding anniversary on August. 16, 2011. We are pleased to have him as our Honorary Marshal.