Crown Prince Haakon leads Veterans Day celebrations

Once again, it was Crown Prince Haakon who was responsible for leading the ceremony organized this May 8, on the occasion of Liberation Day which is also National Veterans Day. Every year a commemoration ceremony takes place at Akershus Fortress in Oslo.

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Haakon of Norway leads May 8 commemoration ceremonies

Every year, the King of Norway or a member of his family representing him attends a military tribute ceremony at Akershus Fortress in Oslo on May 8. Last year, King Harald was replaced by his son due to hospitalization. In 2024, once again, Crown Prince Haakon will lead this ceremony. A configuration to which we will have to get more and more accustomed because the King of Norway made the decision, a few days ago, to gradually lighten his schedule of public outings, due to his age.

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May 8 is Liberation Day and National Veterans Day in Norway. Ten F-35 fighter jets flew over the fortress square immediately after Crown Prince Haakon’s arrival, before the commemoration continued with the national anthem and the inspection of the Norwegian armed forces present on site.

Crown Prince Haakon laid a wreath at the National Monument, followed by speeches from Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre and soldier Kristian Nakstad. Nine soldiers were also decorated with a medal for their actions within the armed forces. This day allows us to remember May 8, 1945, the date on which Norway was liberated from German occupation. It also pays tribute to all the soldiers who fought for their homeland. More than 100,000 Norwegians have participated in more than 120 international operations in the fight for democracy and human dignity.