Bill Text: CA SR42 | 2013-2014 | Regular Session | Enrolled

California Senate Resolution 42 (Prior Session Legislation)

Bill Title: Relative to Norway's Constitution Day

Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 1-0)

Status: (Introduced - Dead) 2014-05-19 - Read. Adopted. (Ayes 34. Noes 0. Page 3493.) [SR42 Detail]

Download: California-2013-SR42-Enrolled.html

BILL NUMBER: SR 42	ENROLLED
	BILL TEXT

	ADOPTED IN SENATE  MAY 19, 2014
	ADOPTED IN ASSEMBLY  FEBRUARY 19, 1950

INTRODUCED BY   Senator Corbett

                        MAY 13, 2014

   Relative to Norway's Constitution Day


	LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST
             HOUSE OR SENATE RESOLUTIONS DO NOT CONTAIN A DIGEST



   WHEREAS, Norway's Constitution Day, which is celebrated on May 17,
commemorates the date when the nation's constitution was signed at
Eidsvoll on May 17, 1814. In Norwegian, this day is usually referred
to as syttende mai (May 17) or Nasjonaldagen (The National Day); and
   WHEREAS, The Norwegian Parliament, known as Storting, held the
first May 17 celebrations in 1836. From that point onwards, it was
regarded as the national day. The first children's parade was held in
1870. Interestingly, World War II ended in Norway only nine days
before Constitution Day -- on May 8, 1945. This was the time when the
occupying German forces surrendered in Norway; and
   WHEREAS, Constitution Day celebrations follow a traditional
pattern of parades involving schools, high school graduates, bands,
and other members and organizations within the local community. Many
people, especially children, dress in their finest clothes on this
day. Some choose to wear a bunad, which is a traditional Norwegian
costume. There are many games, activities, and social gatherings on
this day; and
   WHEREAS, From 1906 onwards, the Norwegian royal family has
gathered on the balcony of the Royal Palace in Oslo, which is Norway'
s capital city, to wave to the marching children on Constitution Day
each year; and
   WHEREAS, Many Norwegians and people with Norwegian ancestry also
celebrate the day in different countries around the world.
Celebrations, dinners, and festivals are held in various places
across the United States. These are supported by organizations, such
as Sons of Norway; and
   WHEREAS, In some Australian cities in previous years, people of
Norwegian heritage participated in a special street parade to
celebrate Constitution Day on May 17. The Orkney Norway Friendship
Association celebrates Norway's Constitution Day in Orkney, Scotland,
to recognize the islands' strong historic links with Norway; and
   WHEREAS, Norway's Constitution Day is a public holiday in Norway.
Schools, public offices, and businesses are closed. Road users need
to take into account that some streets, particularly in the town
centers, will be closed and there may be traffic because of the
parades that take place on that day, which attract crowds; and
   WHEREAS, The bunad, a traditional Norwegian dress, can be worn
during Constitution Day. It varies in appearance from region to
region, and may feature flower motifs, stripes, and pleats.
Embroidery can be used on many different parts of the costume,
including bonnets, belts, aprons, skirts, shirts, and bodices; and
   WHEREAS, An abundance of flags are also seen on this day. The
Norwegian flag is red with an indigo blue Scandinavian cross outlined
in white that extends to the edges of the flag. The vertical part of
the cross is shifted to the hoist side in the style of the
Dannebrog, the flag of Denmark; now, therefore, be it
   Resolved by the Senate of the State of California, That the Senate
hereby honors Norway's 200th Constitution Day; and be it further
   Resolved, That the Secretary of the Senate transmit copies of this
resolution to the author for appropriate distribution.