4th July supplement

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Independence Day 2011

3

American Independence Day is always a very special holiday. For most of us, it is a

time to get together with families and friends and enjoy a summer holiday, but it

is, of course, much more than that. Independence Day is also a time for reflection

and for giving thanks.

On July 4, we remember the dedication and bravery of those who fought to give Americans

our independence, and the commitment of those who guided the creation of a government

based upon our beloved ideals, “life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.” Their unyielding

spirit is what defines us as Americans. My grandfather – Morfar – emigrated from a farm near

Horsens 100 years ago to pursue his American dream. Like thousands of fellow immigrants,

Morfar adapted quickly and learned the language and culture of his adopted country, but, he

never forgot his Danish roots. In fact, it is often said that every Dane has a relative somewhere

in America. After two years as the US Ambassador and having witnessed the amazing coop-

eration between the US and Denmark first hand, I would like to add that every American has

a friend in Denmark.

America’s unbroken ties with the Kingdom of Denmark are among the oldest we have with

any country in the world. Our people have benefited beyond measure from our long history

of cooperation and friendship. With this in mind, it is fitting that Rebild is the largest annual

July 4 celebration held outside the United States. Nestled in the natural amphitheater in the

hills of Himmerland, Rebild honors this special connection among Danes and Americans. The

creation of Dr. Max Henius – a Danish American who emigrated to the United States in 1881

– the park and festival are powerful reminders of the strength of the US-Danish relationship

and our common belief in the values of freedom, democracy, human rights and individual

liberties.

In recent years, Denmark and the United States have worked together to defend individual

liberties and freedom. In this era of extraordinary challenges, diplomacy has never been more

important, and US-Danish relations have never been better as we work together on global

challenges. It has been a great privilege to serve as President Obama’s Ambassador to the

Kingdom of Denmark as we move into an era of remarkable challenges and opportunities. As

you will see from the articles laid out in this impressive supplement, the ties between Den-

mark and the United States are steeped in history, but are also alive and vibrant.

It is a special honor for me to represent my beloved country, the United States of America, to

the country of my heritage – and I wish each of you a happy Independence Day.

American Ambassador to The Kingdom of Denmark

Laurie S. Fulton

AN AMeRIcAN gReeTINgMeSSAge FROM THe AMeRIcAN AMbASSADOR LAURIe S. FULTON

POST BOX

President and Publisher - Ejvind Sandal

Chief Executive - Jesper Nymark

Production & Layout - Lyndsay Jensen

Copy Editor - Alexis Kunsak

Sales and Marketing Director - Hans Hermansen

Sales and Advertising - Jeanne Thames, Mark Millen, Lyndsay Jensen

Photographers - Hasse Ferrold, Visit Denmark, Aalborg City, Amcham, Jørgen Nøhr

If you would like to contact us or leave a comment: [email protected]

This supplement is published by The Copenhagen Post, please refer to our disclaimer on page 2 of the newspa-per. For more information: +45 3336 3300 • www.cphpost.dk


4

The festival of americans and their danish kin in aalborg. By Bonnie Fortune

Shoppers to bring a slice of good old-fash-ioned American consumerism to Aalborg

When visitors descend upon the northern Jutland

city of Aalborg on July 1 and 2 this year for the

American Days Festival, Flemming Thingbak, Aal-

borg City’s director, hopes that the event, along with attracting

American expats living in Denmark and Danes who harbour an

interest in the ‘land of the free’, will also bring some of that

famous American consumer spirit to Denmark’s fourth largest

city.

According to Thingbak, the festival is both a chance to explore

the shared cultural influences of America and Denmark, and a

great opportunity to bring new people to the region.

During the two-day festival, the city of Aalborg will embrace

not only popular aspects of American culture such as hot rods

and Hollywood, but will also take a look at its own historical

links with the country and examine the history of Danes who

emigrated to the United States.

“It’s important for me, that people see what America is about”,

Thingbak commented on the festival, which will see over 100

American flags go up at shops around the city.

The festival will feature look-a-likes of famous American music

icons, popular food from the country and speeches from Dan-

ish politicians such as Prime Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen.

Thingbak describes the festival as offering “a slice of America

in Jutland” but also stresses that it is a great opportunity for

visitors to experience the city on its own merits.

As far as Thingbak is concerned the festival is by all means “an

event to get people shopping - but it’s important that people

leave satisfied; it’s important that people leave with a smile

and that the next time they think about shopping, then maybe

they will think about Aalborg”

aMeRican daySin denMaRk

Every year in Aalborg, the fourth largest city in Den-

mark, the shops and public buildings are decorated

with both the Danish and the American flag. In July

the city is home to the annual American Days Festi-

val. This year, the growing city is focusing squarely

on the event as a celebration of the strong relations

between its part of northern Jutland and the United States.

American Days is usually planned concurrently with the July 4th

Festival at nearby Rebild Park. This year however, Aalborg is plan-

ning events that extend beyond the weekend celebration with art

and history exhibitions, as well as classic car shows and music. Visi-

tors come to Aalborg to see its medieval history and half-timbered

castle, and attend the festivals over the weekend.

In early June, the city held an opening for an exhibition by Ameri-

can artist Michael Singer at the Utzon Center, designed by world fa-

mous Danish architect, Jørgen Utzon. Singer is a well-known artist,

designer and thinker who includes ecological principles in his work.

He is interested in the relationship between nature and culture and

the exhibition shows various sculptures, drawings and garden art

projects. The show can be found at the Utzon Center until the end

of October.

The American Days Festival also takes a closer look at the subject

of emigration, with an outdoor exhibition set up at Aalborg’s JF

Kennedy Plads around this theme. The show looks at the various

experiences of Danes moving to the United States and how the two

cultures influence each other. American Ambassador Laurie S. Ful-

ton will be visiting Aalborg to speak about the emigration exhibi-

tion and international relations between Denmark and American.

Emigration from Denmark and the ensuing American descendents

are a consistent theme of the nearby Rebild Society July 4th Fes-

tival, located at the Rebild National Park. The park was founded

on land donated to Denmark by Danes who moved to the United

States in the early 20th century. Aalborg is also home to the World-

wide Archives, which are open for visitors who are interested in

researching emigration in general, or perhaps tracing their own

emigration story. The archive offers a glimpse at a part of history

that has fostered international exchange for generations.

On July 1 and 2, American Days will kick off with a music and enter-

tainment festival at Gammel Torf and JF Kennedy’s Plads. There will

be distinctive American-style music and food. A memorial ceremo-

ny is planned for soldiers on the morning of July 4, where wreaths

will be laid to honour them.

Another not-to-be-missed Aalborg attraction is the Guild of Chris-

tian IV. The Guild formed during World War II when Denmark was

occupied by Germany. The Guild began meeting in 1942, in a me-

dieval wine cellar hundreds of years old. Each person had to be a

card-carrying member to enter, but once inside, delicious wine and

beer were available along with rousing conversation. By the time

the war ended, the Guild had become so popular the city council

voted to maintain the organization. Today, the Guild boasts Queen

Margrethe II of Denmark, Ronald Reagan and the Soviet astronauts

Beljajev and Leonov as former visitors. The average visitor is still

allowed to peak at the Guild members as they perform secret cer-

emonies, preserving a long tradition of solidarity.

Aalborg is a city steeped in stories of the past, but still looking for-

ward and focusing on how it fits into an international future. The

American Days weekend is a part of this spirit and the summer

months are an excellent time to see the city at its best and most

lively.

“it’s important for me, that people see

what america is about”.

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6

THe FeSTiVaL1. 2009 - According to tradition there are always many exciting activities for the children during the festivities in the hills.2. 2000 - The sculpture “the family” was revealed.3. 2006 - Do you want to swap hats? Registrar minster Lene Espersen shares a little joke.4. 1999 - There was a large turn out at this year’s Rebild Celebration5. 2010 - U.S. Ambassador Laurie S. Fulton.6. 2007 - There was great atmosphere inside the lunch tent. Sharing a story or two is Annette Heick and Defence Minister Søren Garde7. 2003 - Finn Zieglers violin performance was magical8. 2010 - U.S. Ambassador Laurie S. Fulton and the Rebild Society’s President Karl K. Nielsen on their way to the 4th of July party in the hills.9. 2009 - There was time for a photograph before the attending lunch10. 2010 - Before lunch the American line dancers gave an outstanding performance.11. 1997 - Queen Margrethe also participated in the Re-bild celebration.12. 1998 - Mærsk McKinney Møller enjoyed the trip in the Gold chair.13. 2006 - Her royal highness Princess Benedikte was announced honers president of the Rebild Society.

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An exhibition of photographs, documenting the past fifteen years of the Rebild Na-

tional Park Society and its gatherings, will open on June 16.

Hosted in collaboration with the Copenhagen Post, the free exhibition of images by Dan-

ish photographer Jørgen Nøhr will run until July 16.

The Rebild Society was established almost 100 years ago when Danish Americans raised

money to purchase 190 acres of land, which it donated to the Danish government as a

national park.

The moorland has been the setting of an annual gathering of Danish Americans on July

4th, the United States Independence Day, ever since.

Photographer Jørgen Nøhr has worked for newspapers and magazines across Jutland

and has documented the annual gathering over the past fifteen years.

250 of his images will be shown at the month-long exhibition on Højbro Plads 8, in

downtown Copenhagen.


8

Sheep wander through the heather-covered hills of the first

national park established in Denmark, just south of Aalborg.

In 1912 Danes who had moved to America gave the land to

the state, under the condition that it would be used to cele-

brate future American holidays. Today the park is called the Rebild Hills.

Karl K. Nielsen has been President of the Rebild Society, the Danish-

American Friendship Organization, for four years and is responsible

for the 18-person international board, including both Danish and

American members. The Rebild Society’s main goal is to promote

friendship between the two nations. Every year, Nielsen and the

seven other Danish board members travel to the United States to

meet with the ten American board members of Rebild to discuss

the direction of the organization and the important annual festival.

The festival celebrates the American Independence Day in the Re-

bild hills near Aalborg. It has been held every year – except during

the world wars – since 1912.

At the turn of the 20th century, native Danes who had immigrated

to America pooled their funds to buy a piece of their homeland.

They chose to donate this purchase to King Christian X, thereby es-

tablishing Denmark’s first national park, but not before starting the

tradition of the summer festival. This year marks the 99th year of

the convivial festival, celebrating good relations between Denmark

and the United States.

Every year the day long event includes speakers, musicians, food

and fireworks. Nielsen explains that organizing the festival begins

one year, sometimes two, in advance to secure the best speakers

and bands. Past speakers have included former United States Presi-

dents Ronald Reagan and George Bush. This year the Danish Prime

Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen and the Danish-American, US Con-

gressman Steny Hoyer will be among the distinguished speakers.

Denmark’s Queen Margrethe II will not be in attendance this year.

Nielsen suggests, however, that the Royal Family will probably be

there for next year’s 100th anniversary celebration.

This year’s festival includes a special photographic exhibition by the

Rebild Society’s photographer, Jørgen Nøhr. Nøhr has been taking

images of the annual event over the years and his work will be on

display in Copenhagen, concurrently with the festival. The historic

exhibit opens on June 16 at Basecamp in Copenhagen and will be

available for public viewing until July 15. (Basecamp, Højbro Plads

8, 1200 Cph, opening June 16, 16:00-18:00).

According to Nielsen’s description of the event, the day of the fes-

tival on July 4 begins with several hundred people sitting down to

eat a traditional meal of Danish cuisine complete with snaps. After-

wards, more festival guests arrive, slowly covering the Rebild hills

with numbers eventually reaching the thousands. Nielsen says that

his favourite part of the day is the feeling of being united in friend-

ship, when he can look out and see the Danish and American flags

flying while the speeches are being made and the orchestra plays

on.

On THe HiLLS OF ReBiLdaMeRican pRide

A celebration in Denmark’s First National ParkBy Bonnie Fortune

The recruitment and retention of global talent and an in-

crease of foreign development investments (FDI) are both

essential to Denmark remaining competitive and securing

economic growth in a global economy.

These two points are from a report funded by the American Cham-

ber of Commerce (AmCham) in Denmark, entitled, “Multinational

Enterprises—How important are they for the Danish Economy?”

co-authored by Professors Torben Pedersen and Jan Rose Skaksen

of the Copenhagen Business School (CBS) that was released last in

May 2011.

AmCham Denmark was first established in Copenhagen in 1999.

This non-profit, non-governmental international business organiza-

tion has evolved and today is comprised of 275 company members.

They collectively represent American companies, Danish compa-

nies with subsidiaries in the USA and international companies with

footprints in both Denmark and the USA.

“We have emerged through the past 11 to 12 years as the predomi-

nant voice of international companies in Denmark, “said Executive

Director Stephen Brugger in a phone interview. “We are committed

to improving the climate for international business in Denmark.”

Denmark’s global mindset and IT infrastructure are already attrac-

tive to foreign investment. Faced with a decrease in population and

an aging workforce, Denmark needs to be more competitive and

prepared for the future.

According to the June 2009 report, Statistics Denmark, foreign

companies comprise only 1% of private companies in Denmark, but

employ 19% of the private sector workforce and make up 27% of

exports. These are just a few facts that illustrate the importance of

FDI to ensure Denmark’s economic future.

“Global competitiveness has been increasing. We’ve been estab-

lishing awareness of the need for Denmark to be more competi-

tive,” explained Brugger. “What we’re missing is what I would call

a fundamental national talent strategy that would lead us to the

direction where we would embrace foreign workers. Embrace them

and welcome them.”

Via email Charlotte Mark, Managing Director and Site Director,

Microsoft Development Center Copenhagen and AmCham board

member further commented: “With the globalization and demo-

graphic changes, Denmark must understand what skills are de-

manded by business in the future and how to make sure we can

supply that talent. Denmark needs a talent strategy. A strategy that

stands on two pillars: how we develop our own local talent and how

we attract and retain highly skilled talent from abroad.”

In January 2010, AmCham Denmark released its white paper enti-

tled, “Denmark: The talent to succeed,” with Copenhagen Capacity

and Heidrick & Struggles.


AMcHAM DeNMARKLobbying for Denmark’s global SuccessBy Nina Chatelain

9


10

Fans of Ford Mustangs, burger eating contests, Michael

Jackson, old-school graffiti or any American classics can

enjoy twisting the bottle cap off a Miller High Life this

weekend, because it’s Miller time in Malmo. The week-

end festival American Days does not stop at hamburgers and Heinz.

Sweden is a country large enough to bring together a multitude

of sub-cultures into a mass explosion of all things USA. Rockabilly

Swedes poof their hair and polish their creepers, while sitting in

front of giant retro automobiles.

The Malmo All Star Cheerleaders show off their stars and stripes

routine and cheers in English. With them on the program are horse

races, barrel racing and Western riding competitions, as well as

a classic American car showcase, open to motorcycles, 4x4s and

beefed-up hot rods. First prize for the best car is a trip for two to

the United States, and every driver of a classic American car enters

the festival for free. Dance shows and workshops offer hip-hop and

breakdancing, but also line dancing and square dancing, going all

the way back to the Lindy hop. The event’s line-up of live music

spans the same range, including folk groups on the banjo, classic

country and civil war battle songs.

The Jägersro Trot and Gallop hosts American Days at its racing and

training facilities, some of the largest in Sweden. The races are part

of the summer racing season and for the fastest three-year-old

horses it’s the last important race before the Swedish Derby on Au-

gust 14. The fillies get into the race at the Oak Trial, practicing for

the mare’s Swedish Oak Derby.

Another race exclusively for Arabian thoroughbreds will also be

held on the Jägersro track. First start is set for 17:30 on Saturday,

and the eight races draw a total of 700,000 Swedish kroner in prize

money. On Sunday, the finals in the Quarter Horse races starts at

13:00, the open 300m run afterwards. In Sweden, as in Italy and

France, harness racing is more common then any other style of

horse race.

Watching barrel racing, cutting and reining cattle, or thoroughbred

racing in Sweden brings back visions of the old days in the USA,

when bison still roamed the open plains and cowboys were plying

their trade.

Spare ribs, blackened or rubbed with pepper, coleslaw, potato salad

and blue cheese dressing will all be part of the fare, along with oth-

er southwestern classics. Chili and sour cream, jalapenos and com-

peting hot sauces will be supplemented by the All-American donut,

buttery popcorn and candy of all stripes. There is a wine bar on

location, but it may be fighting to draw customers away from the

Budweiser lounge and Samuel Adams cozy bar set up in the area.

Shopping at the festival has a retro feel, with accessories for classic

car owners, wannabe cowboys and real life western riders. Toys,

jewelry and tattoos will also be for sale, in addition to hardware

from the American tool company Snap-on. This is a festival cele-

brating American culture, and if former pro wrestler Macho Man

Randy Savage showed up with a truck load of Slim Jims, he would

fit right in.

Jägersro Trav & Galopp; Jägersrovägen, Jägersro, 212

37 Malmö; Open Sat 8:00-23:00, Sun 8:00-17:00; Tickets:

100 SEK, under 18 free; +46 40-671 8204; www.ameri-

canday.se

American Days in Malmö

TwisT-off BoTTle CapsAND THe FLAvOR OF RANcH DReSSINg

By Alexis Kunsak


“It’s kitschy in a positive way,” explains Solvang Conference & Visitors Bureau Director Karin

Gert Nielsen. “It reminds me of Denmark in the 1970’s, the town could have been in Jutland.”

For its 100th anniversary the town has pulled out all the stops with a schedule of events

spanning the entire year. On June 11, the Prince Regent will celebrate his birthday in Solvang,

starting with a public party in the city centre, followed by an exclusive dinner at the Rusack Vineyards,

one of the local wineries.

The line up of centennial events includes exhibitions at the Elverhøj Museum of History and Art in

Solvang, classes on making Danish open-faced sandwiches, and the dedication of the town’s new

Heritage Trail. New exhibitions on Danish design and centennial bike rides are combined with a huge

Fourth of July parade and firework display. Every Wednesday, a farmers market is open in the city

centre all day, at the intersection of First Street and Copenhagen Drive. The hospitality of small town

America collides with European culture and style in Solvang.

The number of local events is no accident, and has turned the former enclave into a tourist destina-

tion, with bicycle rentals, tours of local vineyards, and farm visits for locally-grow foods. In the begin-

ning Solvang was an isolated Danish settlement, located 200 km north of Los Angeles. In 1947 a jour-

nalist for the Saturday Evening Post wandered through, and his subsequent article brought loads of

Americans eager to see the Danish-style Lutheran church and the educational system. The town lead-

ers began to see the economic potential of tourism and started building houses in a half-timbered

style and wooden windmills. Danish products and craftsmanship promoted tourism, especially baked

goods like æbleskiver and wienerbrød, which can still be found at local bakeries year round.

With a current population of around 5,500, Solvang is one of a community of small cities making up

the Santa Ynez Valley region. Slightly northwest from Santa Barbara and only 24 km from the Pacific

Ocean, Solvang is surrounded by a fertile, green region, placing the city in the centre of the slow food

and agritourism movement in California.

“What a lot of people don’t realize as tourists is that Solvang is located in one of the fastest growing

regions for pinot noir, with an explosion of organic and non-commercial winemakers,” said Nielsen.

“When the movie ‘Sideways’ became a surprise hit, people turned away from merlot and Napa Valley.

Winemakers came to the Santa Ynez Valley, when the cool ocean winds and valley climate was perfect

for grapes and farming.”

With the number of Danish businessmen, chefs and bakers in town, Solvang’s connection to the

old country is as strong as ever. Danish entrepreneur Peter Work founded the winery and vineyard

Ampelos in 2001 and now produces 3,500 cases of wine per year, as well as growing four different

grapes. The Danish business college Niels Brock is planning on opening an extension of their campus

in Solvang in 2012. Aalborg is Solvang’s sister city and the mayor will be flying from Denmark to par-

ticipate in the continued centennial celebration in September. With year-round sunshine and average

temperatures between 12 and 24 C, southern California is an ideal location for this slice of Denmark.

THe caLiFORnian TOwnMORe daniSH THan denMaRk

In 1911, a group of optimistic Danes left the frigid Midwestern United States and journeyed south-

west to California, naming their new settlement Solvang, or “sun field.” Their dream had been to set

up a traditional Danish folkeskole education and preserve Danish culture in America. Today that vi-

sion has turned into a city that reminds Danish visitors of how Denmark used to be, and gives Ameri-

cans a taste of tradition beyond the cheese danish. By alexis kunsak

11


12

daniel Brown, 42, is the General Manager of the dynamics division of the Microsoft development center copenhagen.

The MDCC has about 650 employees from more than 40 dif-

ferent national backgrounds, and has played an important

role in establishing the network Expat in Denmark, simplify-

ing integration for foreign professionals.

Daniel came to Denmark with his wife Stephanie and two sons in

the summer of 2008. Though they originally had a two-year stay

in mind, they have delayed moving at least until the summer of

2012, making them an exception from the rule that most expats will

leave after about three years. Their reason for moving to Denmark

was two-fold. “When we had our first child, we decided to set out

some long-term family objectives and one of them was to spend

time abroad,” explains Daniel. This goal and the professional oppor-

tunity for Daniel were “probably equal components in the decision

to come over.” He says he does miss some things. “In the States, I

knew exactly where to go to get gifts. I could do it and not interfere

with family time. That’s so much harder in a foreign country.”

Whenever the family moves back, they will take the memories con-

nected to the birth of their youngest child with them, as well as the

memories of bike rides with their older sons. For Daniel, Denmark

is a “wonderful environment for raising children, part of it being

safety, part of it is what you can do. There are some places where

I think it’s just easier to have children and I think that’s true here.”

Since their children are too young to understand the significance

of the holiday, their celebration will be quite “tame” with a fam-

ily meal instead of barbecue and fireworks. Daniel admits that the

Fourth of July is simply a day of nationality in any case. However, he

adds, “It has a high degree of cultural relevance which may not ring

as true in other countries. When the Americans signed the Declara-

tion of Independence, it was on the tail of a revolution. You are ba-

sically seeding from the British monarchy, which is an act punisha-

ble by death. It’s a traitor’s act. It sort of defined American culture.”

Daniel also feels that another important part of the holiday is con-

nected to the Declaration of Independence. “The other thing that

is really important is that the Declaration of Independence itself is

such a poetic document.” For Daniel, Independence Day and the

Fourth of July are so special because they are about passion. “They

are about values much more than procedure. They grab the heart,”

he explains.

The family of five chose to live in Hellerup, where the two older

boys now attend the international school. When asked about his

experience with the Danish language, Daniel laughs out loud. Once

the family decided to spend a weekend at a Danish beach on the

island of Ærø, but dropped the plans after being unable to com-

municate them to colleagues. He has since given up on further pro-

nunciation adventures.

edward Oberhofer, a 45-year-old life coach from Rochester

Edward came to Copenhagen last year in August with his wife

Karen, who had found a job here as a radiometer. So far,

Edward enjoys the city’s bike system and cultural activities,

but misses the American style of one-stop-shopping. With reduced

shopping hours in Denmark, a little retraining is necessary but Ed-

ward remarks: “I am sure, as a life coach, I have taught many people

in the US to live that way, to slow down.”

One of his very first positive experiences with the Danish system

was a hospital visit after a bike accident. “That was a very non-

American experience,” he says. “You trip and fall, you end up in the

hospital. But the staff did not ask any questions about how we were

going to pay for it or anything like that. Karen was trying to pull out

all sorts of cards and they were like: we don’t really care. In the US,

they would definitely be trying to figure out whose insurance they

The AmericAn WAy of LifeThe fourth of July evokes a picture of stars and stripes-clad streets and endless patriotic movies. in order to find out what the holiday means to Americans and what the American way of life is in Denmark, four US citizens currently living in copenha-gen describe their lives abroad. By Nadja Kroker

AS LiveD in DenmArk

andrew Butcher

daniel Brown

edward Oberhofer andrew Hayden

were going to charge.”

This Independence Day, Edward will join his wife at a soiree at the American Ambassador’s residence.

“If we were home, we would find our way to a fireworks event. Those fireworks can be pretty grand.”

Asked about the stereotypes he runs into as an American in Denmark, Edward says, “The Danish peo-

ple are too polite to use generalizations. Being American is not an issue. More in the vein, no wonder

you can’t speak the language, you are not from here.” While the language barrier poses no problem,

the cultural differences still exist for Edward. “The fact that they speak English is very deceptive, they

have such excellent language skills but their cultural background is so different from mine.”

The couple chose to live in Charlottenlund because they wanted a place close to trees and the coast.

Edward joined The American Club in Copenhagen for networking purposes, expecting to meet other

Americans, and found to his surprise that the club was mostly full of Danes interested in the American

culture and history. Before the two moved to Denmark, their friends responded to the idea with mainly

“absent knowledge,” as Ed calls it. “One of the things I was told before I got here was that it might be a

year before neighbours knock on your door. That was absolutely not the case in my situation. They met

me before I even got up the stairs.”

andrew Hayden, 38, works as a civil engineer for the design, engineering and project man-agement company aRUp.

In October 2009 he, his wife Rachel and their son moved to Copenhagen. Though they miss Amer-

ica’s wilderness among other things, Copenhagen has a good range of transportation options. “If

you lived in LA, you’d have to drive everywhere, if you live in New York, you have to take the sub-

way,” Andrew says. Even more essential for Andrew and Rachel, who works as an IT-consultant, is the

work-life balance when having a family. In Denmark, it is not the hours that count but completing the

workload previously agreed upon. This leaves time for the family responsibilities that are still consid-

ered the women’s domain in the US.

The family found an apartment in Østerbro after being told it was a good place to live with children.

Additionally, the highest number of apartments advertized in English seems to be found in this part

of Copenhagen. Andrew and Rachel were looking for an international community. “We decided there

were too many Brits and Americans living in Hellerup and we didn’t want to be in a kind of English-

speaking enclave. I didn’t want talk about how I miss Reese’s peanut butter.”

Their second child is due on July 2, so the couple is not planning anything big for their Independence

Day celebration. They might dig out the “flag stuff” that has been hiding in the storage room since the

move. “But you know you have to ask the police for permission here to put a [foreign] flag out, so each

year the US embassy sends out a notice to remind us.”

When their friends and family learnt about their move to Denmark, many of them associated it with

“Hans Christian Andersen,” an American film from 1952 that is loosely based on facts of the author’s

life. Andrew said he had wondered why Americans often pronounced “Copenhagen” in the German

style “Kopenhagen.” He later remembered the song from the film, “Wonderful, Wonderful Kopenha-

gen,” so the American viewers learnt that pronunciation. “I think that movie formed the basis of a lot of

people’s idea of what Denmark is,” explained Andrew. Discussing the prejudice about Americans being

oblivious to other countries, Andrew clarifies the difference. “To be fair, it is a very large country with

a lot of people in it. If you live in Iowa, it’s hard enough to figure out what people are like in the other

49 states around you, much less on another continent.”

When the family talked about moving, some people mentioned the Swedish chef in The Muppet Show

and his fairly incomprehensible gibberish imitating Swedish phonology. For Andrew, Danish pronuncia-

tion reveals many surprises, “especially anything that has a ‘G’ in it. I am always astonished when I hear

it pronounced. It seems like the wild-card letter, it can be anything.”

andrew Butcher, 26, left california’s mountains and forests behind for a phd position in atmospheric chemistry

This brought him to Denmark nine months ago. During this time, he has started to miss, aside

from family and friends, the geographic variety he left behind. “The beach is a four-hour drive

away from skiing,” Andrew explains. Even though he believes that it is nearly impossible to find a

good Vietnamese Pho noodle shop in Copenhagen, Andrew is planning to stay for a total of three years.

Being able to bicycle to work and being provided proper health care helps to ease the pain of not being

able to see San Francisco. Up until now, Andrew has been living in Frederiksberg but has to move out

soon, so he hopes to find a new place in Vesterbro.

For the Fourth of July, Andrew will invite friends to what he calls a “true American barbecue complete

with beer, hotdogs and hamburgers, and perhaps even some fireworks.” Having to celebrate the holi-

day on July 3 does not taint the experience for him in the least. When trying to explain the history of

the occasion, Andrew describes it as “simply the day that we declared independence from England.”

Turning the tables around and looking at how Americans view Denmark, Andrew replies, “Americans

know nothing about Denmark other than, perhaps, it’s ability to punch above its weight. Scandinavia

is more well-known and can be used as a proxy for Denmark in conversation with the geographically

challenged.”

Explaining the stereotyping about Americans he encountered in Denmark, Andrew remarks, ”Most

people in Denmark know the US from our commercials, pop culture, and warmongering. However, a

lot of Danes do know of San Francisco and its uniqueness in the American landscape. For the most part,

Americans are thought of as obese – which we are – and oil guzzlers – which we also are.”

While he is not terribly interested in meeting other Americans, he does not know where to find them

in Copenhagen other than in Danish language courses or at the American embassy. His efforts to meet

Danes have proven to be a straining experience. “Danes are impossible to meet socially without any

prior discussion of meeting unless there is lots of alcohol involved. Most Danes I know I have met at

work or in bars,” Andrew says. “Festivals strike me as a good place to meet Danes, if you are not put off

by exuberant drunkenness.”

So meeting Americans living in Copenhagen may be more challenging than looking out for striped flags.

It might involve letting go of your general perceptions of the US and avoiding the tourist hot spots.

Americans are practically all over the place and apparently very effective at blending in with the cycling

crowds.


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will Gurley is a designer living in Frederiksberg.“I don’t really have any July 4 plans and have yet

to celebrate while I am here in Denmark. Ideally I

would love to barbecue and bike around with spar-

klers sticking out of my handlebars with red white

and blue ribbons in my spokes, wearing a stars and

stripes helmet with a cape shooting fireworks out of

my bike basket but I have not made a big deal of it so

far.”

ken puliafico is a biological researcher who lives in Østerbro.“This year we might throw a small barbecue with some friends on July 3. We will nat-

urally make burgers (with all the trimmings) and some hot dogs. Ideally we should

have apple pie but it is unlikely.”

kenneth dumlao is a musician and lives in the centre of copenhagen.“I personally have not celebrated the Fourth of July in the 18 years I have been in

Europe. A couple of times I used it as an excuse for a barbecue if the weather was

nice, but usually the day comes and goes with out me noticing until I read the news

or someone reminds me.”

Michael Stroh is studying architecture in copenhagen.“I will probably forget the Fourth of July or be at

Roskilde. I don’t usually party on the Fourth of July.

It’s been too long since I’ve lived in the States.”

kevin Horan lives in Østerbro.“I would invite my friends over to grill and drink cheap

beer. Then I’d probably eat six or seven hot dogs with ketch-

up, jalapeños and fried onions. And we would listen to “3 Feet High and Rising” by

De La Soul at least once, and Neil Young (even though he’s Canadian).”

kyl cornelius

“When it comes to holidays, I like to celebrate the Fourth of July by lighting a bunch

of fireworks, I actually buy all my fireworks in January since they don’t celebrate it

here, so they sit in my house awaiting the night of the Fourth! For food I grill eve-

rything, but I hardly ever grill hotdogs or hamburgers. People here just think it’s a

really America thing to do and I really got tired of hearing that.”

Mary coble is an artist and lives in amager.“No plans yet, but spending the day grilling on the beach sounds like a perfect day

to me. It’s fun sharing my traditions with friends here so that’ll be a way to do what I

would normally do at home, at least the grilling part. I would probably grill some hot-

dogs and hamburgers, make coleslaw and potato salad all in honour of traditions at

home. And I’d probably make some mint juleps, a drink that is a Southern US classic.”

Hot dogs off the grill, family picnics, parades and fireworks have all come to be part of the celebration of

Independence Day in America. This national holiday takes place in memory of that first day when the in-

dividual governments in the thirteen original colonies banded together and declared independence from

Great Britain. The problem is the Americans have chosen the wrong day to party. By Alexis Kunsak

The True Factsabout the Glorious Fourth

There are many myths and misunderstandings surrounding the day of the nation’s birth, not least of which is the date itself. It was July 2, 1776 when the Second continental congress representing the colonies approved the proposal of independence put forth by Richard Henry Lee of virginia. Future US President John Adams wrote to his wife Abigail:

“The second day of July, 1776, will be the most memorable epoch in the history of america. i am apt to believe that it will be celebrated by succeeding generations as the great anniversary festi-val. it ought to be commemorated as the day of deliverance, by solemn acts of devotion to God al-mighty. it ought to be solemnized with pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires, and illuminations, from one end of this continent to the other, from this time forward forever more.”

Adams’s prediction was two days too early. Right from the beginning, Americans celebrated independence on July 4, which was the date shown on the widely circulated Declaration of Independence. It was on the glori-ous Fourth that Thomas Jefferson’s document was adopted.

The demands that the british crown placed on the colonies without allowing them to representation in par-liament were seen as a form of tyranny. The rallying cry became “no taxation without representation.” ben-jamin Franklin contributed his own colourful statement about the need to formally declare independence. “We must all hang together, or most assuredly we shall hang separately,” he said, although no historian has ever found any proof of the comment. One odd truth about the holiday is that two of the men who signed the Declaration of Independence both died on July 4, 1826. John Adams died of heart failure at the age of 91 and Thomas Jefferson was 83 years old when he died of dysentery.

It was not until 1870 that the US congress made Independence Day a holiday for federal employees. In 1938, the day was finally changed to a paid federal holiday. currently, New York and Washington D.c. host some of the largest celebrations. each year over half a million people gather on the capital lawn in Washington Dc for a free concert before the fireworks. In New York city, the department store Macy’s sponsors a fireworks display for an estimated 3 million viewers, and even more watching on television. In 2010, the show used some 40,000 shells, which were launched from six barges in the Hudson River. At Nathan’s Famous Hot Dogs in coney Is-land over 40,000 spectators gather to see the winner of the annual Nathan’s Hot Dog eating contest on July 4. Legend has it the contest started to settle a dispute among four immigrants who were fighting over who was the most patriotic.

The sister city of Odense, columbus in the state of Ohio, does not get left out. The Ohio Historical Society will recreate a 19th century village, complete with patriotic speeches, baseball, and a community dance. The Doo Dah Parade begins in downtown columbus in the afternoon, and before the fireworks start in the evening, someone will win the pie-eating contest.

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Old Glory flies againAalborg and North Jutland will be keeping alive their tradition of celebrating America’s Independence Day once again this year. For two days on July 1-2 down-town Aalborg will come alive with the sounds of America and the sight of Old Glory flying from the city’s windows and lampposts.Americans celebrate their independence on July 4, but in Aalborg we’re making the party last for two full days. The festivities begin on July 1 at Gammeltorv and the concerts and other free entertainment will continue on July 2.

Food and drinkOne American tradition we’ve gladly adopted in Den-mark is the summer cookout. Having a good time to-gether with good friends over good food is what Danish ‘hygge’ is all about.And when Aalborg City’s 400 stores get together to honor our American friends the last thing anyone wants is the party to run out of food or drink.This year, as in years past, Bone’s restaurant will be serving up a taste of old America. In addition to famous barbeque spareribs, the Bone’s festival menu will also include baked potatoes, coleslaw and corn on the cob.

American dreamBone’s is the real-life American dream come true of owner Sam Bone, and his ribs are made using a recipe of his own design. The restaurant itself is inspired by

Sam’s adventures working at restaurants in the US.American Days in Aalborg is one of the city’s biggest events, and the weather is normally with us. Join us at the picnic tables in Gam-meltorv, where the main stage will be alive with music and enter-tainment Friday and Saturday afternoons. This year’s American Days will provide a broad range of American entertainment, and Gammeltorv will be the perfect place to sit down and take a load off after a hard day of hitting the summer sales.

The best of America“In the past Aalborg City’s Independence Day fes-tivities have been themed on Grease, Elvis, classic American cars and country and western music,” says Aalborg City director Flemming Thingbak.

“This year though, we’ve decided to mix things up and offer our guests a broad vari-ety of the best America has to offer.”

Documents

4th July supplement