Be a part of the celebration at Macalester College, recognizing the incredible 50-year NOREX partnership between Norway and Minnesota and the US-Nordic Security Alliance. We'll highlight the deep bonds, shared values, and collaborative efforts that have strengthened the military ties between Norway and Minnesota over 50 years. We will also celebrate the 75th Anniversary of a Norwegian secret operation which stopped a Nazi atomic bomb program. Don't miss this unique opportunity to learn more about the alliance and its contributions to security in the Nordic region. Mark your calendars for an unforgettable event!
ABOUT THE EVENT
2023 marks the 50th anniversary of the NOREX American-Norwegian Reciprocal Troop Exchange. The troop exchange is the longest-running military exchange partnership between any two nations. The annual NOREX exchange promotes goodwill, sharpens military readiness between the nations, and provides opportunities for cultural understanding among its participants. While in Norway, the Minnesota National Guard Soldiers and Airmen conduct training with the Norwegian Home Guard in field training exercises. The Norwegian Home Guard Soldiers stay at Camp Ripley, Minnesota National Guard's premier training center.
This all-volunteer event will celebrate the NOREX history and also facilitate the creation of a historical record of Norwegian operations and Norwegian-American contributions to allied forces during World War II. Speakers will also address the legacy of Gunnar Sønsteby, who was not only Norway’s most decorated war hero but was a lifelong advocate for resistance to tyranny across the Nordics and among NATO’s democratic and free states worldwide.
“Gunnar Sønsteby was Norway's most decorated war hero. For his leadership of the resistance work here in Oslo during the Second World War. For his personality and his courage. Through five years of war, Gunnar Sønsteby fought for freedom. When peace was won, he spent the rest of his life helping to ensure that we would never experience war again. He traveled around and inspired people all over the country. Quietly and humbly, he told the audience about the coup against Norges Bank, the action against the aircraft warehouse at Bjølsen, and the explosion of Kongsberg Våpenfabrikk. [Sønsteby]’s message was simple: We must never take peace for granted.”
—NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg
We hope to see you there and look forward to both documenting this important history and celebrating the alliances and partnerships between Minnesota and its Norwegian and Nordic allies.
Volunteer Committee Co-Chairs
Hon. Mark Ritchie, Aide to the U.S. Secretary of the Army, President of the Military Historical Society of Minnesota, and former Minnesota Secretary of State
Col. Magne Roedahl , Norwegian Defense Forces (Ret.), CEO Maxim Defense of Norway, past Military Attaché to the USA & NOREX Participant and former Deputy Commander of Norwegian Special Forces
Andrew Borene, Executive Director at Flashpoint National Security Solutions, former Senior Staff Officer at U.S. Office of the Director of National Intelligence, and 2013 NOREX Civilian Participant