Independece Day!

June 6 is a very important day for Europeans. It is the day that marks the greatest invasion of all time. On June 6, 1944, 160,000 Western Allied troops landed on the beaches of Normandy in an effort to liberate Europe from Nazi occupation. It became known as D-Day, the day when parts of France were liberated, leading to the eventual liberation of Europe.



The National Day of Sweden celebrates Swedish independence on the 6th of June, commemorating the day when Gustav Vasa was crowned king in 1523 and the new constitution was adopted in 1809. On this day, we fly our blue and yellow flag and sing our national hymn with great pride to celebrate Sweden as a united kingdom and a free and independent nation. That certainly gives cause for a good celebration!


On May 9th, 1950, the French Foreign Minister, Robert Schuman called for European nations to combine their efforts in coal and steel production, thereby creating a European Institution charged with managing these industries. This event occurred during a time of great conflict and was the beginning of the European Union, supporting the fundamental values of peace and solidarity. And so the 9th of May was declared Europe Day!

The 4th of July is celebrated in the United States as Independence Day, a federal holiday to commemorate the date of adoption of the Declaration of Independence in 1776. It is a day when all over the country there are fireworks, barbeques, picnics, baseball games, ceremonies and political speeches celebrating the history and traditions of the United States.


In France, July 14th commemorates the storming of the Bastille in 1790, marking the beginning of the French Revolution and symbolizing the birth of a modern France.


Most countries have a day during the year that commemorates an important historical event and symbolizes independence and national pride. It is the day when people gather with their families and friends to celebrate their history, their heroes, traditions, and cultures.


When I celebrate our national day I am proud of being a Swede. Sweden and its people have been successful in all areas of trade, innovation, political life, international affairs, social development, and sports. And I also feel a sense of belonging beyond the borders of Sweden, as I consider myself a citizen of Europe. June 6th is our National Day, but it is also D-Day and I do think of all the soldiers who sacrificed their lives for the sake of liberating Europe. So I am equally as proud when celebrating EU Day too, as I look upon the dark blue flag and its stars.


And I cannot forget feeling proud, living in the US and celebrating 4th of July together with my friends.  Seeing the American flag reminded me that I am a part of the free world with all the democratic rights that all of us have the fortune of enjoying!


All in all, I am happy being a Swede, a European, and a citizen of the free world!