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KIDS UNITED
Einar lives in Iceland, the big island to the west of Norway. Though Irish Monks inhabited Iceland long ago, in the 9th century Norwegians settled on the island becoming the first "Icelanders"”. These Viking/Icelanders established what would become the world’s oldest surviving parliament, and Iceland existed as a self-governing country for nearly 400 years.
From the 13th to the 19th centuries, Norway and Denmark took control of Iceland. In 1874, Icelanders drafted a constitution and were given the power to control their domestic matters. It wasn’t until 1918 that Iceland became an independent state within the Kingdom of Denmark.
And when Germany occupied Denmark during the Second World War, Iceland requested its independence from the Danish rule. In 1944, this independence was granted!
Icelanders chose the day of June 17 to be their National Day. This marks the birthday of the Jón Sigurðsson, the Danish curator who spent his life working to help Iceland gain recognition as an independent nation. On this day every year, Icelanders take to the streets in celebration!
This year Einar looks forward to celebrating in his hometown of Reykjavík (Iceland’s capital city). He loves to watch the annual parade, and the different performances that take place throughout the day in Reykjavík’s streets.
He and his parents will eat a picnic lunch, and if they stay awake, they can even participate in the dancing that takes place well into the night! Iceland, like Norway, has a Midnight Sun during the summertime, after all!
Einar and his 280,000 fellow Icelandic Citizens wish everyone a Happy National Day!
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