“Democracy is the chance to live a free and independent life. This isn’t something that just is, it’s something we must protect and fight for every single day. In an increasingly unsettled world, our strength lies in our sense of community and the trust we share,” said President of the Storting Masud Gharahkhani.

Play an active role

“Living in a democracy is not simply a matter of asserting one’s rights; it’s also about doing one’s duty. We should all play an active role. Don’t be afraid to stand up for your convictions, but respect the fact that others might see the world differently,” he continued.

After the speech, flowers were laid at the statue of Christian Frederik. The Bygdøy school band, children from Bygdøy School, and the Women’s Choral Society of the University of Oslo (Kvindelige Studenters Sangforening) provided the musical accompaniment for those present.

An early start

Earlier in the day, Mr Gharahkhani had laid wreaths at the National Monument and the statue of King Haakon VII.

By the time the children’s parade had started to make its way along Karl Johans gate shortly after 10 o’clock, the President was ready on the Storting’s balcony to wave to the children as they went by. In his speech, Mr Gharahkhani touched on what such an occasion feels like:

“There’s little that beats standing on the Storting’s balcony on the 17th of May and looking down at the colourful, exhilarating procession of children and adults filling Karl Johan. This is what it’s all about: that we, despite our differences, can come together as one people.”

See the Storting's photos from this year's National Day. All photos may be freely used on accreditation.