John Mowat of the Orkney Norway Friendship Association has sent in some of his photos of Norwegian Constitution Day, 17th May 2023 as it was celebrated in Kirkwall.

There are graves in St Olaf’s Cemetery, Kirkwall, of Norwegians who died in World War Two fighting for the independence of Norway which had been invaded by Nazi Germany. These are men who served in the Norwegian Army and the Norwegian Merchant Navy.

• Martin Sylte, soldier, Norwegian Army, died 6th May 1940, aged 33
• Berner Berntzen, sailor, Norwegian Merchant Navy, S.S. Tora Elise, died 20th March 1940, aged 44
• Adrian Bjaarstad, sailor, Norwegian Merchant Navy, S.S. Hosanger, died 27th January 1940, aged 41
• John Brandvik, sailor, Norwegian Merchant Navy, S.S. Faro, died 27th January 1940, aged 23
• Anders Gulliksen, sailor, Norwegian Merchant Navy, S.S. Tora Elise, died 20th March 1940, aged 52
• Stian Hansen, sailor, Norwegian Merchant Navy, S.S. Tora Elise, died 20th March 1940, aged 21
• Martin Anton Holmen, sailor, Norwegian Merchant Navy, S.S. Faro, died 27th January 1940, aged 18
• Storm Louis Jensen, sailor, Norwegian Merchant Navy, S.S. Faro, died 27th January 1940, aged 40
• Carsten Larsen, sailor, Norwegian Merchant Navy, S.S. Hosanger, died 27th January 1940, aged 24
• Harry Camillo Lier, sailor, Norwegian Merchant Navy, S.S. faro, died 27th January 1940, aged 43
• Trygve Lund, sailor, Norwegian Merchant Navy, S.S. Faro, died 27th January 1940, aged 43
• Arthur Meier Melkersen, sailor, Norwegian Merchant Navy, S.S. Hosanger, died 27th January 1940, aged 43
• Soren Knutsen Nesse, sailor, Norwegian Merchant Navy, S.S. Hosanger, died 27th January 1940, aged 31
• Thorvald Severin Rasmussen, sailor, Norwegian Merchant Navy, S.S. Hosanger, died 27th January 1940, aged 31
• Otto Erling Vabo, sailor, Norwegian Merchant Navy, S.S. Elrae, died 8th May 1940, aged 35

The Tog, started off at midday. The parade included visitors, children and was led by the Kirkwall City Pipe Band.

This was followed by a lunchtime concert by pupils at Stromness Academy.