On May 8, 1945, Norway returned to independence after five years of occupation. Since then, we have celebrated Liberation Day every year.

based on Forsvaret. no will we use this day to rejoice in a free and democratic Norway, and at the same time pay tribute to all – resistance fighters, war sailors, and civilians – who fought against the invaders.

In 2011, the government established Veterans Day. This coincides with Liberation Day, which is named Liberation and Veterans Day.

Now Stavanger Frp wants the day to be marked more clearly, by introducing an official holiday.

– We will start by introducing a local holiday, during which employees in the city of Stavanger get time off. We also hope private companies will join too, and eventually more cities, until we make it a national holiday, says Kristoffer Sivertsen at Stavanger Frp to RA.

He believes that Liberation Day is perhaps the most important anniversary we have each year.

– We must be careful never to forget the terrible things that have happened, and ensure that history never repeats itself, said the Frp politician.

[ Slik blir 17. mai i Stavanger i år ]

Will spread more knowledge

– What signals will such a holiday send, or what does the official holiday on May 8 mean?

– I think it will mean a lot, especially considering our current situation, today in the world, said Sivertsen, and referring to Russia’s war in Ukraine.

– There you see how important it is to remember history, and to focus on ensuring that these things are never repeated. We must not take our peace for granted. That’s why it’s so important to mark this special day here, so that young people know it too, he said.

FRP believes there is too little emphasis on war history in schools.

– If we introduce a holiday, there will be a reminder every year. If children see the flag, I don’t think many people will know why we raise the flag, but if they have a holiday they will like to ask why it is a holiday – and thus gain information and knowledge about Independence Day. , said Sivertsen.

[ Mange vil rense bunaden før 17. mai: – Best å gjøre det etter bruk ]

Stavanger first

FRP has previously tried nationwide to get an official holiday on May 8, but so far there hasn’t been enough support in the Storting.

– That’s why we thought about starting the fight locally, if we do it in Stavanger, I think many cities will follow suit, said Sivertsen.

– Do you think you will finish this in Stavanger?

– I think it could be an opportunity. There are many people who are interested in our history, and want more attention around Liberation Day, which is one of the most important days in our history. I’d be surprised if the other side doesn’t want to support this here. Apart from that, it will also be a round of applause for the health workers, school staff and other officials in the municipality who are making such important efforts.

– Is it difficult to get a new national holiday?

– Basically, it should be easy to do. Most of it is about the majority in the Storting, says Sivertsen.

The Stavanger FRP has the May 8 holiday as an election campaign matter, and will discuss it with the municipality after the election.