DECORAH, Iowa. (KTTC) – It was an unforgettable day for the people of Decorah, Iowa, as the community welcomed Prince Haakon of Norway.
(Figure 1 of 5): Children lining up on Mechanic Street to welcome Prince Haakon of Norway(KTTC)
“It was incredible,” said Luther College senior, Carter Thompson, who got to see him on campus. “This is one of those once-in-a-lifetime opportunities, and it’s so awesome that he’s coming here to Luther College.”
Prince Haakon is the ninth Norwegian royal family member to visit Decorah since 1939. His last visit was in 2011.
“It is very nice to be back,” the prince said in a speech in front of the Vesterheim Norwegian-American Museum. “Surrounded by all these Norwegian flags and people in bunads and all your nice sweaters, I feel almost more Norwegian than I do at home.”
(Figure 2 of 5): Prince Haakon of Norway giving a speech in front of Vesterheim Norwegian-American Museum(KTTC)
Prince Haakon’s visit marked the bicentennial anniversary of the first organized Norwegian emigration to the United States. In an interview with KTTC, he stated the culture in Decorah is not just a symbol of heritage, but also friendship between the two nations.
“There are more than four million Americans with Norwegian heritage, and they are very good at continuing to take care of their culture,” Prince Haakon said. “[They are] also very proud of their Norwegian heritage. That’s something that, of course, is important to the relation between the United States and Norway.”
(Figure 3 of 5): Prince Haakon of Norway at Luther College(KTTC)
“Today, we lift up the story of a people separated by an ocean, but united by their heritage, their values, and their collective pursuit of the common good,” Luther College President Brad Chamberlain said in a speech at the college’s Center for Faith and Life. “The convocation today honors His Royal Highness, Crown Prince Haakon, and his service to human rights. environmental responsibility, and building bonds between our nations.”
At the celebration convocation, Luther College awarded the prince with the degree of Doctor of Civil Law honoris causa. 60 years ago, from this moment, the college also awarded an honorary degree to Prince Haakon’s father, King Harald — then the Crown Prince. King Harald’s father, Olav V, also received an honorary degree from Luther in 1939, when he was Crown Prince.
(Figure 4 of 5): Prince Haakon of Norway accepting an honorary degree from Luther College President Brad Chamberlain(KTTC)
“There is a strong brand of friendship between our two countries,” Vesterheim Norwegian-American Museum President and CEO Chris Johnson said. “It’s not only between governments, but it’s between the citizens of both countries as well.”
“Decorah is such a humble small town, and to see him honor those ties is really incredible,” Thompson added. “It’s surreal.”
(Figure 5 of 5): Luther College students welcoming Prince Haakon of Norway(KTTC)
During his speech at Luther College, Prince Haakon shared how he chose to study in the United States because of the academic freedom it provides.
“Universities are the sites for the free exchange of ideas. Independent teaching and research is at the heart of a free society,” he said as a message to attendees. “And so, to the students here today: Cherish that freedom. Seek out those that are different from you. Be curious and be generous, because that is how we grow.”
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