On 8 May we celebrate freedom and honor Norwegian veterans from the Second World War until today. There are celebrations all over the country, and you are invited!
On Wednesday, it is exactly 79 years since Norway was again able to celebrate its freedom after five years of occupation. Since then, 8 May has been a day of celebration for freedom and peace in Norway. With war in Europe and a tense security situation, this day is more relevant than in a long time.
While we pay tribute to all those who took up the fight against the occupiers, we also celebrate our veterans. Over 100,000 Norwegian soldiers have served in around a hundred international operations worldwide. Last year, the Norwegian Armed Forces also changed its definition of the term “veteran”; now everyone who has served in the Armed Forces can call themselves a veteran. Read more about this at vorset.no.
The royal house in place
Liberation and Veterans Day is marked with ceremonies and markings all over the country, with the national commemoration at Akershus Fortress in Oslo. The marking is open to everyone, and there is an open day from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. with wreath-laying and speeches.
Among others, His Royal Highness the Crown Prince, Storting President Masud Gharahkhani, Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre, Defense Minister Bjørn Arild Gram and Chief of Defense Eirik Kristoffersen will participate.
Medals for heroic deeds
During the main ceremony at 3 p.m., nine people will receive the Norwegian Armed Forces’ medal for noble deeds. They receive the medal for their efforts to put out the dramatic fire on board the cargo ship “Britannia Seaways” in 2013. Read more about the heroic deed in this case at vorset.no.
The annual Soldier’s speech is given by Kristian Nastad, veteran and current head of Nord-Trøndelag Civil Defense District. Read more about this case at vorset.no.
In addition to the commemoration in Oslo, there will be local medal ceremonies at 40 different locations in the country. Most receive medals for participation in international operations.
Read the entire program and veteran stories at vorset.no/8mai. And welcome to the celebration of freedom and our veterans.
Program for the main event on 8 May 2024:
Akershus fortress in Oslo
- 08.00: Flag raising
- 10.00: Open day – end 4.00 p.m
- 10.00: Wreath laying on Normandieplassen by Defense Minister Bjørn Arild Gram
- 10.30: Wreath-laying at the Court of Justice by the chair of the Storting’s Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee, Ine Eriksen Søreide
- 11.00: Service in Akershus castle church
- 12.00: Salute – 21 shots
- 12.02: Wreath-laying at the Veterans Monument by Parliament President Masud Gharahkhani
- 2.35pm: Finish line “On wheels with veterans”, the Veterans Monument at Defense Minister Bjørn Arild Gram
- 15.00: Main ceremony at Festningsplassen (All in place 14.50)
– Overflight of Akershus fortress
– Wreath-laying at the National Monument by a representative of the royal house
– The Prime Minister’s speech
– The soldiers’ speech
– Medal ceremony - 15.35: The event ends
- 16.00: Open day at the fortress ends.
