1999 Senate Joint Resolution 8
ENROLLED JOINT RESOLUTION
Relating to: proclaiming May 14, 15 and 16, 1999, as Syttende Mai Weekend.
Whereas, Norway, which means "Northern Way", is the 5th largest country in Europe, covering 125,052 square miles, and has a population of approximately 4,000,000; and
Whereas, Norwegian immigrants have made countless contributions to the cultures of Wisconsin and other regions of the United States; and
Whereas, one out of every 12 Wisconsinites claims Norwegian ancestry; and
Whereas, Syttende Mai, Norwegian for May 17, celebrates the anniversary of the 1814 signing of the Norwegian Constitution that declared Norway's independence from Denmark; and
Whereas, the Norwegian Constitution is the 3rd oldest in the world, being predated only by the constitutions of the United States and France; and
Whereas, Norwegian culture can be found throughout Wisconsin in the cuisine of lutefisk and lefse, in the art of rosemalling and in the presence of wood-carved trolls; and
Whereas, Wisconsin communities, such as Stoughton, Blair, Westby and Woodville, will celebrate Syttende Mai in many ways, including parades, Norwegian displays, Norwegian street music and dancers, Syttende Mai King and Queen presentations, Syttende Mai runs, special museum tours, choral concerts, church services and Norwegian drama; and
Whereas, thousands of Wisconsin citizens of Norwegian heritage will participate in these activities during the month of May; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the senate, the assembly concurring, That the weekend of May 14, 15 and 16, 1999, is proclaimed "Syttende Mai Weekend" in the state of Wisconsin, and that all of the citizens of this state are declared honorary Norwegians for that weekend and are urged to observe the Syttende Mai Weekend with appropriate celebrations.
