Norwegian Pride in Time of War
Corporal Ludvig Gjønvik, a Norwegian Emigrant from Trondhjem served in the American Expeditionary Force in France.
E. G. Quamine. prominent Norwegian American and president of the Federal Land bank of St. Paul, made the following reference to his countrymen in a recent address before the Sons of Norway of that city:
The Norwegian-Americans thoroughly appreciate the privileges of a democratic country and government. We know that our country needs us, and we must respond to the call. Let us serve in every way we can and the best way we can.
If our country needs us at the front, then it is our duty to be there. If we can serve our country in any other way, where a special training and fitness has prepared us for that service, then let us do that thing which will render the greatest service -- not only to help preserve the principles of free government as exemplified in this republic, but to help bring to the world at large the rights of freedom and justice which we now enjoy.
Let us show to all other Americans and to the while world that the old Viking spirit still lives. We, who are the descendants of a people who gave the world trial, by jury, the elements of representative government and the principles of political freedom must be true to our ancestors and our noble traditions, and prove to the world that the present generation has the same spirit and courage.
Source: The Evening Tribune, April 30, 1917, Page 6, "Of Interest to All Scandinavians: News Gathered in the Fatherland and Elsewhere.
