syttende mai

Today was the big day; Constitution Day. What a day it is, and was.

It started very early. We left the hotel at 6:45 AM. That was after your children had breakfast; their wake-up call was at 5:15. The band went to Kruseløkke Skole and met the Sarpsborg Jente og Gutte Korps. (SJGK) We marched together through empty streets to Kulas Park. There we watched a program of readings, music, and flag raising. Then we marched to the statue of St. Olav. At the statue we were asked to play a march, so we played National Emblem. We also played the national anthem, Ja vi elsker and listened to a speaker.

After that program we marched back to Kruseløkke Skole and had breakfast with SJGK. Then it was time for the big parade. We marched a few blocks over to the staging area. From the very beginning of the parade to the end, approximately 3 km, we marched through a tunnel of peoplel There was never a space without people on either side. Suits, bunads, flags, cheering, clapping, and constant excitement. The choir students and chaperones marched behind the band and had a great time.

After we arrived at Kulas Park we stood in the middle of the amphitheatre area in front of the band shell and played. We had to stop whenever another band arrived. We played Nordic Fanfare, Magnificent Seven, Amazing Grace, Valdres, and National Emblem. In the middle of those we had the drumline perform their routine. You can see some of it on the video link.

The choir left to go rehearse at the old church, about two blocks away. The band stayed at Kulas for the program after the parade. The drumline did another brief routine and Mr. Morlock delivered a speech in Norwegian. The crowd was estimated at 10 to 12 thousand.

The band headed to lunch while the choir took part in a wonderful church service. Then the band marched to the fire station and listened to a men's chorus. Next, the band marched with the choir and the SJGK back to the Festiviteten. We were then reunited with the choir in the buses. We drove to an old people's home and played a couple of songs. Then we marched a couple of blocks to Kurland School. The band played, the choir sang, and the drumline played again. (they have reached rock star status) SJGK played, the anthem was played and sung, and the program was over. The two bands combined for a photo and then we went to the hotel.

We got to the hotel just past 3:00 and we had until 5:00 to change clothes and rest. Some power naps took place and then off we went. Our farewell barbecue was by the water and the evening was beautiful. The kids had a chance to relax, walk down to the water, play soccer, basically do whatever they wanted.

Back to the hotel by 10:00.


This was the day we were aiming for over the last several months, and it did not disappoint us. We will have so many stories to tell when we get home.

Ha det bra!