Liberation Day is marked with flag raising and ceremonies across the pretty country, and we remember those who fought for our lives to be lived in freedom.

On the morning of April 9, 1940, Norway woke up to a new reality. Norway was at war. And it was to last for five bad years. Today we mark 75 years since the end of the war. And that we regained our freedom. We celebrate peace. We thank all those who fought. And we remember those who had their lives ruined or torn away. After the war, Elverum, Molde, Narvik, Bodø and several other cities were completely damaged after bombing. Burning and forced relocation in Finnmark and Troms caused the population enormous suffering. The wounds after the war were deep. About 10.000 Norwegians lost their lives, while grief, loss and betrayal affected many many more. (Prime Minister Erna Solberg May 8, 2017 at Akershus Fortress)

Today we show our gratitude by hoisting flags and remembering those who fought and fought, Norwegian and allied soldiers, and those who expressed their resistance in silence. We live as free people in a free country because of these people. Those who sacrificed everything and who we must never forget.

We grew up and live in a country that is free. A country where democracy, tolerance and human dignity are strong. We can believe what we want, we can say what we want, and live as we want. Maybe we have taken this for granted?

It does for people who have come to us from countries in conflict. It does for our grandparents or great-grandparents who experienced the war. They do for veterans who have seen war and conflict in operations around the world. They know that the values ​​we have built our society on did not come for free. And that they must never be taken for granted. (Ibid. 2017)

Without comparison otherwise, we are experiencing these days, with Covid-19 in mind, to have our freedom restricted. My hope is that it makes us appreciate even more the freedom we have had, and which we together, through the hard work we are all part of today, will take back. Let the sacrifice that was laid down more than 75 years ago be an inspiration these days. In gratitude I would encourage to use this day reflection.

Have a good day!

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