Norway will live again, says Crown Prince Olav

April 13, 1941

Speaking in Norwegian, Crown Prince Olav of Norway today "assured a congregation of 700 persons of Norwegian extraction"  that Norway "will live again."   He spoke at Easter services at Trinity Lutheran Church in Brooklyn, New York, reports the New York Times.

Long before the 11:00 a.m., service started, "hundreds of residents from the predominately Norwegian neighborhood" filled the small church and "lined the sidewalks to get a glimpse of the Crown Prince and his Swedish wife, Crown Princess Martha."

The Crown Prince was introduced by Rev. Dr. S.O. Sigmond, senior pastor, shortly before the end of the service.

"Today is the first Easter morning that Norway has lived through since the war began.  I am certain that on this Easter morning the meaning of Easter is more deeply felt than heretofore.

"I believe for a certainty that Norway will live again.  We think today with love about all those in Norway who are now living under the power of another country, a condition to which they are not accustomed.  We believe today that they and we are closely drawn together in our hearts.  I am sure that our heritage from Norway will remain here."

The Crown Prince and Crown Princess heard "read aloud the message that President Roosevelt sent to the Norwegian people on April 9," the first anniversary of the German invasion of their country.  At the end of the service, they "led the congregation in the offertory procession past the altar."