VI ER FRI! MAY 7, 1945

We are free! Norge er fri! Norway is free! King Haakon VII and the Royal Family arrive at Oslo on 7th June 1945. The little boy with the flag is today's King Harald V ---------------------------------------

After 2,076 days of horror and destruction, news of the unconditional surrender of Germany spread throughout Europe. Germany signed an unconditional surrender at Reims, France May 7th. The happy news broke in the West and in Norway on May 8th and celebrations erupted. The occupation of Norway by Nazi Germany started with the German invasion on April 9th, 1940, beginning "Five long years of enemy occupation" of Norway and the other Scandinavian countries. Pictured is Germany's Keitel signing the surrender document. May 8th was the first day of freedom for Norway in five years.

-----------------

During this period of occupation, each Scandinavian country dealt with harsh situations in various ways. Finland began this period already fighting with Russian forces before Germany began to be involved. Finland began combining efforts with Germany, and began a co-existence with the later occupying German force. As time went on, this relationship became strained and resistance began in earnest. Sweden decided to remain neutral, and German forces found a mutual relationship while buying iron ore for the needed ball-bearings for war equipment, and fish to feed the German occupiers. In turn, Sweden enjoyed relative calm and cooperation. Denmark seemed of little interest to the Germans and along with Sweden, appeared to be stepping stones into Norway. Both countries maintained cooperation with the occupiers and both governments remained "in power".

---------------------

Then, Germany invaded Norway on April 9th, 1940. After the first few days of the war, there was not much military resistance in Norway. The police were controlled by the Nazis and a new Nazi government was installed.The Germans demanded that Norway would accept the "protection of the Reich". This was rebuffed by the Norwegian government with the statement "Vi gir oss ikke frivillig kampen er allcrede i gang". "We will not submit voluntarily; The struggle is already underway". The Norwegian King left for England, resistance began and grew for five long years. ------------------------ Germany invaders had one formidable obstacle to overcome. The Akerhus fortress had never been successfully captured by a foreign enemy. This fortress was strategically important for the Norwegian capital, and therefore, Norway. Whoever ruled Akerhus fortress ruled Norway. However, this time, it had to be surrendered without combat in 1940 when the Norwegian government evacuated the capital. After the war, eight Norwegian traitors were tried for warcrimes and executed at the fortress. Akershus fortress remains open to the public. Several Norwegian Royalty have been buried in the Royal Mausoleum in the castle. They include King Sigurd I, King Haakon V, Queen Maud, King Olav V and Crown Princess Märtha. The sarcophagi of King Haakon, queen Maud ( the White sarcophagus, King Olav and Crown Princess Märtha (the green sarcophagus). --------------------------------- In the decades after the war, a number of reforms were introduced improving the lives of everyone. Working hours were shortened, and holidays grew longer. The National Insurance Act was introduced to ensure financial security for all citizens, including the old and the ill.

----------------------------------------

During the summer of 1945, debate raged concerning punishment of war criminals. While many spoke of retaliation, others argued against the death penalty as a "drawback for a civilized community". Those urging the death penalty were deemed to be "The ice front". Those people against the death penalty were labeled "The silk front".

---------------------------

To this day, Norway justice seems to lean to the side of the more humanitarian "Silk Front".