King Harald and Crown Prince Haakon mark Norway’s liberation

King Harald and Crown Prince Haakon of Norway marked Liberation and Veterans Day at the Akershus Fortress in Oslo.

Liberation Day is celebrated annually in Norway since 1945, and May 8 was established as a joint Liberation and Veterans Day in 2011. Since the Second World War, over 100,000 Norwegians have served in missions around the world. 

Photo:
Arn Bitustøyl / Forsvaret

Four fighter jets performed a flyover over Fortress Square to mark the start of the ceremony. Crown Prince Haakon inspected the honour guard and laid a wreath at the “National Monument for War Victims 1940–45”.

During the ceremony, the Armed Forces also awarded medals to several soldiers for special efforts in service. Lieutenant Colonel Kristian Ure received the War Medal for his long-term service in Afghanistan. Aleksander Nyvoll Antonsen was awarded the Armed Forces Medal for noble deeds, while ten people received the Armed Forces Medal for Merit during the ceremony.

Photo:
Arn Bitustøyl / Forsvaret

Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Stør said in a speech, “More important than material is people – and cooperation with close allies in NATO. When governments, officers and soldiers come together, get to know each other, plan, test equipment, create relationships, build trust and practice, our ability to meet challenges is strengthened. Trust is one of the most important things in a world that is experienced as more turbulent, more unpredictable and more dangerous.”