APRIL 5, 2024

Issue #10

We hope you enjoy this brief look into recent developments in Norway and at the Norwegian Embassy in Washington, D.C. If you are not subscribed but would like to be, please add your contact information to our Google Form. We also recommend following our social media accounts (links above).

Cover art: Haakon Lundkvist, VisitNorthwest.no.

The Embassy was pleased to organize the 16th annual Henry Bacon Seminar in cooperation with the Ted Stevens Center for Arctic Security Studies. It took place at Washington, D.C.’s Army Navy Club on April 3, with opening remarks from Ambassador Anniken Krutnes.

The seminar is named in honor of the S.S. Henry Bacon, a U.S. Liberty Ship, and her crew, who successfully evacuated 19 Norwegian refugees in 1945 in a selfless act of courage and sacrifice. (To read more, click here.) This year’s topic was “Navigating Uncharted Waters: Arctic Challenges and Strategic Responses,” which reminded attendees of the pivotal conflicts taking place across the world, the security requirements needed to address them, and the continued importance of the Arctic region. 

The first keynote address was delivered by Anne Marie Aanerud, State Secretary at the Royal Norwegian Ministry of Defense, who was visiting D.C. this week. The second was given by Rebecca Zimmerman, PTDO Assistant Secretary of Defense for Homeland Defense and Hemispheric Affairs.

Following this, Major General Randy A. Kee moderated a panel made up of RADM Lars Saunes (Professor at the U.S. Navy War College), Gen. Tod. D. Walters (former Supreme Allied Commander Europe), Dr. Katarzyna Zysk (Professor at the Norwegian Institute for Defense Studies), and Iris A. Ferguson (Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Arctic and Global Resilience, U.S. Department of Defense). Wrap-up comments were made by Maj. Gen. Odd-Harald Hagen, the Norwegian Defense Attaché and Defense Cooperation Attaché to the U.S.

Thanks to all for a highly successful day!

Photo credit: The Norwegian Embassy in Washington, D.C.

The Embassy was glad to welcome students in conjunction with the International Law Students Association on April 4. The group reviewed their previous knowledge about Norway, and then they had the opportunity to hear from DCM Torleiv Opland about Norwegian government, culture, environmental policy, and diplomatic life. They followed up with a number of thoughtful questions.

The law students were in town for the Jessup 2024 Competition in Capitol Hill, which is held annually for hundreds of law students from nearly 100 countries. This moot court competition brings together like-minded individuals studying international law from across the globe. 

Thanks for coming by!

Picture credit: Shannon Hutchins, International Law Students Association

April 4 was the 75th anniversary of NATO – an important milestone for both Norway and the United States, which are two of its 12 founding members. NATO is the bedrock of our security, protecting democracy and freedom while upholding peace and stability across the Alliance. 

Since the signing of the North Atlantic Treaty in 1949, NATO has grown to 32 countries, with Finland (2023) and Sweden (2024) as the two most recent. Norway welcomes its Nordic neighbors!

The Norwegian Armed Forces commented, "Today, the largest defense alliance in the world celebrates its 75th anniversary – more powerful and prepared than ever. 'One for all, all for one' is the cornerstone of NATO. It will continue to be so, for your safety and mine."

Photo credit: Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs

The Norwegian Government has proposed a historic increase in defense spending to the Storting (Parliament). It would expand spending by 600 billion kroner (approximately $60 billion) over the course of the next 12 years. All services of the Norwegian Armed Forces will be strengthened, with more personnel and new capabilities.

Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre explains, "Providing security for the people of Norway is the Government’s most fundamental task. We need a defense that is fit for purpose in the emerging security environment. This plan represents a historic boost in defense spending, and involves a significant strengthening of all branches of the Armed Forces."

To read more, click here.

Photo credit: Torbjørn Kjosvold/Ministry of Defense

March 24 marked World Tuberculosis Day, which honors Dr. Robert Koch’s 1882 discovery of mycobacterium tuberculosis.

Back in 1940, a number of Norwegian sailors had arrived in the United States after the Nazi invasion of Norway. These sailors were at sea during the invasion, and so they traveled to the U.S. and other allied countries in hopes of joining the war effort.

When they arrived in New York, the sailors underwent medical examinations, and it was soon discovered that some of them were suffering from tuberculosis. In order to treat their illness, many of these sailors traveled to Saranac Lake, which had become known as a health resort for those with tuberculosis. Many of them recovered well here.

While it's unclear exactly how many sailors arrived, it's estimated that there could have been as many as 500.

During their stay, 16 Norwegian seamen died. This included 15 men and one woman, the daughter of a sea captain. They are buried in a special section of Pine Ridge Cemetery, and a marker honoring them reads, "In memory of Norwegian seafarers who died fighting for the liberation of their country, 1940-1945."

Photo credit: Historic Saranac Lake