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FORMER VP MONDALE TO LEAD NORWEGIAN CENTENNIAL
Press Conference and Reception Set for Friday, Dec. 6
Washington, D.C. (December 2, 2002) – Former Vice President Walter Mondale will announce the formation of a Norwegian Centennial Committee at a news conference to be held on December 6. The committee will plan activities in the United States leading up to the 100th anniversary of Norway’s national sovereignty in 2005. The press conference will be held at 1:30 PM at the Royal Norwegian Embassy’s Chancellery, 2720 34th Street NW, Washington, D.C.

“The Norwegian Centennial Committee will develop interesting activities, to be held around the country, that will give the American people a better understanding not only of Norway’s young independence, but also the contributions to our nation of those of Norwegian heritage,” said Walter Mondale. “We will also determine a fitting and lasting way for the American Norwegian community to pay tribute to the people of Norway.”

The foundation will also introduce other committee members who will be present, including Minnesota Senate Majority Leader Roger Moe, former U.S. Ambassador to Norway Tom Loftus and Dr. Kristin Robbins of Colorado. A reception will follow the press conference.

While Norway is an ancient culture, its history as a sovereign country is recent. After the age of the Vikings, the discovery of America as well as forming Viking colonies throughout Europe, the power of Norway gradually declined. From 1340 to 1814 Norway was part of a union with Denmark, and from 1814 until 1905 it was part of a union with Sweden. When Norway declared its national sovereignty in 1905, the United States was the first nation to recognize Norway’s new and independent role in world affairs.

The Norwegian American Foundation was established in March 2001 with a mission to further cooperation among all Norwegian American organizations and to strengthen the ties between Norway and people throughout North America who, through ancestry and interest, have a special relationship with Norway. The Foundation’s founding was supported financially through the generous contributions of Nordmannsforbundet and Thrivent Financial.