Olav and Martha leave for Norway

July 6, 1939

After traveling 15,000 miles and 34 states during a two and a half month tour, Crown Prince Olav and Crown Princess Martha left today aboard the Norwegian-America liner Stavangerfjord. The New York Times reports that they are "grateful to the American people and hopeful for a brighter outlook in Europe." Before leaving at 1 p.m., the royal couple were greeted by Mayor Fiorello LaGuardia and thousands of citizens, many of Norwegian descent.
Earlier in the day, the royal couple dedicated a statue of the explorer, Leir Erikson, at a square named for him in Brooklyn.
At the dedicated, the Crown Prince spoke to the crowd of more than 5000 people that he wanted to express his thanks to the American people. He said the monument "will stand here as a confirmation of our close friendship and our common ideals of government.
"We carry with us to Norway a chest of memories which we shall cherish as long as we live." Among the outstanding impressions we take back with us is the belief that you are a people whose belief in democracy is a beacon of light to the whole world."
Before their departure, the royal couple granted an interview to the media in the apartment of their hosts, Mr and Mrs. Lucius Boomer in the Waldorf=Astoria.
The couple talked about their trip and what they saw. But the final questions were focused on the situation in Europe. The Crown Prince was obviously concerned about conditions in Europe. He expressed the hope that things would improve, but Olav admitted "that the situation at present doesn't look very pleasant."
"If the hopes of the people predominate, conditions will improve, as I think no one wants to have a world war."