|  | Retracing brave footsteps | The Norwegian American Foundation Ambassadors Circle explores the history of the Norwegian Resistance during World War II |  By Theodore Charles
I have always wanted to go to Norway. My family would reminisce about their relatives who came from the “old country,” and this sparked my interest. Following my freshman year at Pacific Lutheran University, I was honored to receive the opportunity to accompany the Ambassadors Circle of the Norwegian American Foundation on their annual trip to Norway, June 22-25. My task would be to document the progress of the group when exploring the history of the Norwegian Resistance during World War II.
On our first day, we proceeded from the Hotel Continental through the immaculate streets of Oslo toward the waterfront and consequently the centuries-old redoubt of Akershus. Within the fortress complex, our group listened to World War II veterans at the Norwegian Resistance Museum. The museum also contains a library and archival center, which features over 25,000 photographs, 5,000 items, and 2,500 interviews with veterans. We squeezed past throngs of students and elaborate dioramas to hear these resistance fighters relate stories of daring raids and narrowly escaping death in concentration camps. Leif Hovelsen, an illegal wireless operator during the war, discussed how he survived Grini concentration camp by refusing to be coerced. Mr. Hovelsen gestured towards his heart and stated, “Freedom and democracy were won in here.” |  Directly following our tour, our group maneuvered the fortress?s worn cobblestones into the main castle complex. A pair of long banquet tables awaited our arrival as well as representatives of the active military force at Akershus and Gunnar Sønsteby, the most decorated resistance fighter during the war. An expertly guided tour led us through the castle?s numerous dining rooms and corridors, climaxing in the depths of the fortress with the dungeon and royal crypt.
An hour?s rest at the hotel offered time for refreshment before our next stop, Strortinget, Norway?s parliament. We were honored to be joined by United States Vice President Walter Mondale. A reception was arranged that introduced us to many parliamentarians, including President Inge Lonning, who personally escorted us to the main chamber where proceedings occurred. This was followed by a return to Akershus Festning for a dinner of fresh seafood with 75 Norwegian dignitaries, servicemen, veterans, curators, and students. Our feast was served in the old cannon armory for the fort, so it contained many examples from the fort?s lengthy history. Vice President Mondale concluded the evening with a speech entitled “President Obama?s Goals for the United States,” portions of which will be featured in an upcoming biographical documentary which was filmed throughout the trip.
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Among the destinations was the Holocaust Center in Bygdøy. The Center is one of the few places in the world that contains both an interactive representation of the Holocaust, as well as a location for research.
As we entered the building, we split into two groups in order to fit through the hallways more comfortably. The building was originally a mansion built by a successful Norwegian industry leader and was adopted by the Norwegian Nazi party as a headquarters after Germany began their occupation in 1940. The displays inside were vivid and elaborate, illustrating the stories of individuals and entire races alike. Jo Benkow, a past president of the Norwegian Parliament and Jewish survivor of the Holocaust, gave us an exclusive speech. In regards to the treatment of Jews, Benkow states, “Anti-Semitism did exist in Norway, but it was a kind sort of anti-Semitism and all in all, Jews have had very few troubles in present day Norway.” Following the speech, we proceeded to the banquet room for a gourmet lunch of seafood. |
| 2009 Ambassadors Circle Event: A look at Norway during World War II | | Over the past 5 years, the Ambassadors Circle has shared some great and unusual moments together, including the Nobel Peace Prize, Centennial celebration with the King Harald, Peer Gynt and the trip to the High North. This year's Ambassador Circle event is a special historical look at the work of the Norwegian resistance forces during World War II.
|  The event will take place from June 22nd to June 26th in Norway. The tentative agenda is as follows:
Sunday, June 21
Reception at Hotel Continental for Ambassadors Circle and Pacific Lutheran University Alumni members
Hosted by President Loren Anderson and MaryAnn Anderson
Monday, June 22nd
Guided tour of the Norwegian Resistance Museum at Akershus Festning
with Gunnar Sønsteby and director of the Museum, Dr. Arnfinn Moland.
Lunch at Olav the V Hall in Akershus Slott with invited guests from the resistance movement
Speech by Gunnar Sønsteby and Arnfinn Moland
Tour of Akershus Slott
Reception at Stortinget (Norwegian Parliament)
President of Lagtinget, Inge Lonning and Adm. Dir. Hans Brattestaa and Members of Parliament and other invited guests.
Dinner at Akershus Slott
Norwegian American Foundation's Ambassadors Circle and invited guests
Speech by Vice President Walter Mondale: "President Obama's Goals for the United States"
Tuesday, June 23rd
Visit to the Holocaust Center at Villa Grande (Quisling?s headquarters)
Guided tour of the Museum and the Holocaust Center by Odd Bjørn Fure, Director, and Georg Broch, Head of Administration
Lunch at Villa Grande
Speech by former President of Stortinget, Jo Benkow on the situation for Norwegian Jews during World War II
A visit to Wehrmacht?s headquarters and bunker used as commando center for the German forces in Norway. Guided tour by former Principal Johannes Overeng and lektor Rolf Svendsen
Cruise on the Oslo Fjord on the SS Adella
Hosted by Terje Mikalsen and Ellen S. Ewald
Mid-summer night celebration with “reker og hvitvin” (Seafood and white wine) with invited guests from Norwegian politics, industry and education
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|  Wednesday, June 24th
Visit to the Supreme Court
Speech by former Chief Justice Carsten Smith, given in the Chamber of the Supreme Court on the Norwegian court process after World War II
Lunch- hosted by Høyesterett
Bus to Rjukan/Vemork - Check in and dinner at Skinnarbu Turisthotel
Speech by Vice President Walter F. Mondale
"What Norwegian Heritage means to me"
Thursday, June 25th
Sabotorstien - Following the foot steps of the sabotage group of Norwegian resistance fighters on their way from Hardangervidda down the canyons to Vemork to blow up the Heavy Water plant at Rjukan. ? 3 hour guided tour
OR
A tour with the Krossobane cable car to the top of the mountain. This was the first cable car in Northern Europe, given by Hydro to the townspeople in 1928 so they could get up high enough to see the sun during the winter.
Guided tour of the Industry Worker Museum
- The story of Sam Eyde and Hydro
- The Heavy Water Plant and the sabotage story
Return by bus to Oslo
Reception or dinner
About the Ambassadors Circle
The Ambassadors Circle consists of individuals that understand the importance of the role played by Norwegian American organizations and institutions in furthering the relationship between the two countries, and also who have an interest in the welfare of the relations between Norway and the United States.
The Ambassadors Circle members of the Norwegian American Foundation make annual contributions of $10,000 or more to provide financial support of the Foundation to reach its goals, and to ensure that new and ongoing efforts are made to cultivate and strengthen inter-relationships and exchange activities between Norway and the United States. The Ambassadors Circle is limited to 30 members.
This is a once-in-a-lifetime event, and we invite you to become a donor to the Norwegian American Foundation and join the Ambassadors Circle. To find out more about the Ambassadors Circle, visit the Ambassadors Circle on noram.norway.com , email us at naf.info@norway.com, or call us at (206) 441-3044.
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