HIP HIP HURRAH !
As the chairman of the Norwegian American 17th of May Committee of Greater New York, I welcome everyone to the 2008 parade. Our theme and supporting pin design this year is “Salute to Norwegian Explorers”. Over many years Norway has hailed the famous explorers such as Leif Erikson, Roald Amundsen, Bernt Balchen, Thor Heyerdahl to name just a few. With their adventurous achievements, America and the entire world has benefited from their accomplishments.
This year we are privileged to have the renowned talk show host Mr. Barry Farber as our guest speaker. He has been a friend of the Norwegian community for years and we are extremely happy to have him to give us his message at our concluding ceremonies. Please remain with us at the grandstand to hear his views on Norway and Norwegian culture.
I am proud to report that it is with great privilege that I was asked to be a judge at this years Miss Norway contest at the Norwegian Christian Home and Health Center representing the Parade Committee. Once again it was a great success and her crowning will take place on the grandstand at the parades conclusion. The committee and I congratulate this years Miss Norway, Miss. Sarah Lindland of Cornwall New York. Besides being a beautiful blond she is also a sophomore at Ithaca College studying to be in television and radio.
On a personal note, it is with great pride and honor that I was asked to remain as General Chairman for an additional year. With completing this, my fourth and final year, I am very fortunate to have had the opportunity and privilege to serve and to lead the Parade Committee to yet another successful year. Once again it was only possible by the hard work of so many. My special thanks to the entire committee for their tireless dedication, specifically the three co-chairs and the various but necessary sub support groups. Because of their hard work the Committee is able to organize and host a successful parade each year.
With my work now complete as General Chairman, I pass the gavel on to Jim Svendsen, another devoted Parade Committee member who I’m sure, will continue to lead the Committee in hosting many wonderful parades to come. I’ll return to represent the Sons of Norway on the committee, assisting in whatever needs to be done so we all have a great parade each and every year.
Tusen takk to everyone who believes in and enjoys Syttende Mai and the importance of what we do as a committee each and every year.
One more time….As a proud Norwegian American, I ask that you….Say it often and say it loud,
Hurrah for Syttende Mai !!
Kenneth Johnson, General Chairman
