The evening times., 1913-05-19
Zion church, and Rev. n. j. Lohre.
pastor of the Trinity church.
NOrWegians Love Liberty.

NOrwegians Love Liberty.
In his address Rev Martin Heg-
land dealt with the patriotism of Nor
wegians. and of the duty that Ameri-
can Norwegians owe to their mother
country. He said in part:
"Flags float today in Norway. Not
only in the capital but in every city
and village, yes even by the poor
fisherman's cottage the nations colors
are raised to testify that patriotism
lives in the heart of the Norseman
and that the liberty which Eidsvold
gave is honored and loved.
Day of Serious Thought.
1T is a day of fun and frolic But
Mother Norway would also make it a
day of serious thought She would
these at home and in foreign lands,
and would have Il heart to heart talk
with them. And what would she say
to us who have come away from hel
shores? Mother Norway wishes that
We should not forget her. She would
have us love her. And she is worth
loving. She is beautiful in her attire.
long nights enshroud her, she is
beautiful to the eyes of Il Norseman.
But when the sun returns and
decks her with summers verdure, she
is indescribably lovely. And as she is
beautiful in her natural scenery, she
Is great in her people. In the days
when individual strength. courage or
adventure made nation great she
played a large role in history. When
by new methods of warfare mere num-
bers triumphed, she fell back into the
role of the small nations. But the
wonderful energy and perseverance
of her people have been turned into
other channels and She steps forth
again upon the plane of history With
achievements in science. industry and
discovery and with a culture that calls
forth the admiration of the world.
Surely Mother Norway is worth low
ing.
Not Less for America.
But love for Norway does not
mean less love for America. No, as
American citizens we claim Il place
in the very front ranks of patriotism
and the rows of Norsemens graves in
our national cemeteries attest the
sincerity Of our claim. Mother Nor
way would ask lis to be good citizens
wherever we are, and guard with
Jealous zeal that part of our political
heritage which fits in under American
conditions. AS our Morse fathers
fought for political emancipation SO
let US Morse Americans rally in de.
tense of true democracy.
Mother Norway would further bid
us maintain and guard our cultural
inheritance. She has given us a
heritage Of art and literature that is
given a large place in American gall
leries, concert halls and universities.
Surely. then. we who have sprung
fl ON the race that produced this cul
ture, should cherish. love and use it.
AS an approach to this culture let us
naintain our Morse language. And it
we speak it, let us try to speak 1t
purely. Let US guard against that
dreadful mixture of language which
bears with it no respect in the eyes
either of native Norsemen or native
Americans.
Guard Religious Heritage.
"'Guard, too. your religious heri-
tage,' says Mother Norway. I gave
you your bible and your hymn book
for your journey. Love and guard
them The erection of houses Of wor-
ship was among the very first of the
united efforts of the early immi-
grants. And il we would contribute
our largest share Of. the building OF
our American nation we must retain
that sturdy respect for Gods word
which is our Inheritance
Love me. love America. Cherish
your culture. guard your religion. 4