It's January 16th, and for Sons of Norway members around the globe today
is a day of celebration. You see, today is our Founders' Day, which
marks the 119th anniversary of the founding of Sons of Norway!
On this date back in 1895, 18 Norwegian immigrants in Minneapolis, MN
came together and formed a new group whose goals were to protect
its members and their families from the financial hardships
experienced during times of sickness or death in the family. A noble
purpose, to be sure, but over time the mission grew
to also include the preservation of Norwegian heritage and
culture. It was clear that our founders and earliest members were great
leaders and, I believe, also men of great vision.
Since then, Sons of Norway has grown significantly in every way. We are
now nearly 60,000 strong with lodges and members residing throughout
all of North America and Norway. We have become a recognizable brand
with reliable financial products that benefit our members. We have also
grown into a large philanthropic organization that annually provides
more than a hundred thousand dollars in scholarships and grants while
members give more than half a million hours of volunteerism every year.
It's been said that from the smallest of seeds can grow the largest of
fruit. I think Sons of Norway is a prime example of how true that saying
is. So much so, in fact, that I keep a large photo of our 18 founders
over my desk as a source of inspiration and perseverance. When I look at
it I always think "Well, if a group of 18 can create all this, just
imagine what a group of 60,000 can create when every Sons of Norway
member works together toward a common goal." Just a little food for
though.
For Sons of Norway members reading this, there's three things I'd love
to hear about throughout the day: 1) Sons of Norway members wearing
Norwegian colors or their membership pin all day 2) members taking
advantage of the day to recruit someone new into their lodge and 3) all
members taking a moment to reflect on all our Founders have created,
then considering what you could do to build upon that.
I hope everyone has a great Founders Day and I encourage you to post your Founders' Day activities and reflections on the Sons of Norway Facebook page.
Thursday, January 16, 2014
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