Speech #680210146

Mr. Coolidge. and the first citizens of other countries to attend the centennial. It -reads: Whereas tle year 1925 marks the one hundredth anniversary of the real beginning of Norse immigration to this country and of the coiinng of the Norwegian sloop Restaurationce. which brought the first large group of Norwegian immigrants to our shores. and Whereas in commemoration of this event a celebration of national and international scope is now being arranged by the NorseAmericans of this country. to be held on the Minnesota State Fair Grounds. June 6. 7. 9. and 9. this year. and Whereas Minnesota has a larger number of people of Norse descent than any other State. and it is recognized that these people braved. the hardships of frontier settlements from our Territorial days and up through the first decades of our statehood and thus played an Important part in transforming this and other Northwestern States from a wilderness to one of the best developed and most progressive sections of our great country. and that they and their descendants have ever distinguished themselves as a frugal. Industrious. and thrifty people. have taken a deep interest in our social. religious. and political activities . have been prominent in educational lines. in science. in art. and literature. and in every branch of industry. but above all have shown themselves to be publicspirited and most loyal American citizens. and Whereas our State will. by reason of this celebration. be visited by thousands of people who have never seen this part of the Northwest: Now. therefore. be it Resolved by the Hou.se of Representatives of the State of Minnesota (the Senate concurriag).