Approximately 07:35 as the morning procession passes: speech and wreath laying by a Committee representative, to be announced. Nine cheers. Krohnengen Brass Band plays Bergen’s anthem.
At approximately 07:35 on 17 May 2027, a wreath is laid at John Lund’s memorial plaque on John Lunds plass as the Morning Procession passes. The time is approximate and depends on the procession’s progress. A representative of the 17 May Committee (name to be announced) gives a speech and lays a wreath in memory of Bergen’s “Constitution Day chairman above all chairmen”.
After the speech, nine cheers honour John Lund — three times three hurrahs. Krohnengen Brass Band plays Bergen’s city anthem (“Nystemten”).
Chairman for 37 years
John Theodor Lund (1842–1913) chaired Bergen’s 17 May Committee from 1876 until his death in 1913. Over 37 years, he helped give the celebrations a lasting form and broad support among the city’s associations and organisations. He left a lasting mark on the celebration that brings Bergen residents of all ages together.
Three times three hurrahs
When the Morning Procession began in 1892, it passed Lund’s home at Fosswinckels gate 4. Participants greeted him with three times three hurrahs while he stood on the balcony wishing them a happy celebration. The tradition of stopping to honour him continued after his death. Today, we gather at the memorial plaque on the university building where his house once stood.
Politician and champion of Bergen
Lund was also a Liberal Party politician, Mayor of Bergen, member of Parliament and President of the Lagting. He supported women’s suffrage and opposed the union with Sweden. The Bergen railway, Fløibanen and the shipping link between Bergen and Newcastle were among the causes he championed.
A memorial on the procession route
The plaque is on the university’s social sciences building at John Lunds plass. The wreath laying thanks a tireless organiser and continues the city’s living Constitution Day tradition.
Keep the procession’s passage clear and follow the organisers’ instructions.
Sources: University of Bergen — the plaque and John Lund and Signe Hvoslef: “Mannen bak 17. mai i Bergen”, Bergens Tidende, 16 May 2013.