Sweden's National Day

June 6th is Sweden's national day, previously known as flag day. Sweden has never had to win their independence from anyone, so it isn't celebrated with the enthusiasm as independence day is celebrated in the US or Norway, but Swedes do at least get the day off. In our little town, the national day is celebrated with picnics, and incredibly informal parade, and a speech.

The parade is lead by the marching band and drill team. They are followed by the guest of honor in a horse drawn carriage.

Each of the local clubs (such as the chamber of commerce, soccer team, and volunteer firemen) gathers at the start of the parade, and one member from each club holds a flag. The other members walk behind the flag.

We walked through town, and people came out of their houses to watch and wave. Some people joined the parade, others tagged along afterward at a safe distance. We walked to the soccer field where we were lined up on the field according to our clubs. The band played, the drill team twirled their batons, and a giant flag was raised.

The guest speaker was the press secretary for the police department, and she's widely recognized as a very entertaining speaker. Much to the horror of my gravel-in-my-sandals feet, we had to stand there in the middle of the field for this entire process.

Finally, we sang the national anthem (for which it would appear few know the words), and exited with a half lap around the field.

After that, the soccer parents sold hot dogs, coffee, and cookies. I was impressed by how many had come to watch, and probably more importantly, picnic together.