Shetland’s special ‘bond’ with Norway remembered
The Commander of the Norwegian Special Forces has spoken of the special “bond” that exists between Norway and Shetland, during a wreath-laying ceremony in Scalloway.
Rear Admiral Nils Johan Holte gave an address to around 40 people as they stood by the Shetland Bus memorial.
Norway’s top military officials were visiting the isles to mark the 70th anniversary of the end of the Second World War.
The isles, through the well-documented Shetland Bus operation, played a major role in helping Norway following its occupation by Nazi forces during the war years.
The Rear Admiral said: “It is the 70th anniversary of the liberation of Norway. This is a place that’s very important for Norwegians because, through the years of war, Norwegians were stationed here.
“The people of Shetland allowed the Norwegian military to establish several bases here, from which they could operate against the enemy on Norwegian soil.
“This is a very special place for us, and the relationship between Norwegians and Shetlanders is a very special relationship.”
He said it was a military tradition to remember history and “the heroes of the past”.
“We remember that history. We remember what our true heroes did here, from Shetland, and between Shetland and Norway during the war. It has created a special bond, and that bond will not be broken.”
It was perhaps significant that his address came a day after the general election, when voters had the freedom to choose who should represent them in government.
“Liberty, democracy, is worth fighting for. It is as simple as that.”
iantinkler
Please remember, The Shetland bus was not just Shetland and Norway. The Royal Navy, had a bit to do with it, alongside free Norwegian and all British and allied armed forces. All were heroes, thank God for our unity at that time.
John Oakes Manchester England
In light of the close bonds between Shetland heritage and Norway and the current economic and political climate. Maybe a more closer look at trade links and dare I say sovereignty in the near future would be better.