"Syttende Mai" (17th of May) is Norway's Constitution Day. Each year, the Seattle neighborhood of Ballard has a large parade attracting thousands of Scandinavians from miles around. I have fond memories from my childhood of getting dressed up and coming to Ballard to wave our Norwegian flags. This year, as I am now living in Seattle, I attended the event with the Thomas family and my Papa...he looked so handsome in his traditional costume called a "bunand". My nieces Kesley and Abigail also had national costumes on which were gifts from their proud Norwegian 'MorMor' (my mom!). It is important to celebrate who we are and where we have come from. Many of my great great grandparents made the long journey West to America a hundred years ago. I am grateful for their pioneer spirits (which obviously runs in the family).
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