Norway's Constitution Day-Syttende Mai is coming right up, and Norwegians everywhere are planning their festivities. Throughout Norway, the 17th of May is a cheerful day of children's parades, music, cheering, costumes, and plenty of treats like hot dogs, ice cream and sweets. The longest parade is in Oslo, where children from 100 different schools wind through the city. The parade draws about 100,000 spectators and ends in front of the palace with a greeting from the royal family. 

Outside of Norway, Syttende Mai is sometimes referred to as “Norwegian Day," and for many of us it is a day not only to celebrate our Nordic heritage, but also to share it with others in our local communities. 

In Brooklyn, New York, for example, the annual Syttende Mai parade has been a tradition since 1952, and it is widely attended by both Norwegians and non-Norwegians, some of whom travel from out of state to be there. This year, the theme is “Celebrating Sons of Norway 125th Anniversary.” The organizers stress that everyone is welcome; their goal is to celebrate Norwegian contributions to the city and local culture, and the entire surrounding community is encouraged to join in-especially young people and those from other backgrounds. 

This year on Syttende Mai, team up with your fellow lodge members and display your Nordic pride with a parade of your own. Whether you have two people or 20, or more, put on your bunads and Nordic sweaters, wave your flags high 

and go for a festive walk around the block, around the neighborhood or around your city. 

While you're at it, borrow a page from Brooklyn's playbook by inviting your friends and family to join you. But don't stop there-get in the habit of inviting someone along to every lodge event you attend throughout the year. It's a great way to build community and share this important part of your life with the people you are close to. Plus, some of them may even want to stay and become members themselves. 

After all, word of mouth is one of our most powerful recruitment tools, and a personal invitation can work wonders: When we ask new members why they joined Sons of Norway, one of the answers we hear most often is simply that a friend or family member asked them to. Chances are your loved ones know how much you enjoy Sons of Norway and are already curious about it, so give them the opportunity to see for themselves and let them know they're warmly welcomed.