The Minnesota Day in Ljuder Church August 14, 2016

 This year's Minnesota day celebration was held on August 14  and took place as usual in Ljuder Church in in Lessebo municipality in Småland .The area is known for being the home area of swedish author Vilhelm Moberg's and the setting for his novel series (The Emigrants) about the  of the first significant wave of immigration to the United States in the 1840thies and 1850thies.
The opening speach was held by  the municipality manager in Lessebo Christina Nyquist.

photo: Gunilla Grügiel

This year's Honorary speaker was retired bishop of Växjö Jan-Olof Johansson, He spoke on the subject "Always on the run" which he compared the migration flows past and present.

The Swedish-American of the Year Nils Lofgren with roots in  the province of Värmland was  presented by the Grand Lodge Deputy of the Vasa Order of America   Catherine Bringselius-Nilsson.
Nils Lofgren has become known as an outstanding musician and guitarist of  Bruce Springsteen's E Street Band.
                                                         
                                             

Guests were sounding the  handbell ensemble Strikepoint from from  Duluth in northern Minnesota.They  have  toured worldwide and now they entertained the  the audience in Ljuders church with several beautiful melodies with their bells of different sizes.

Gunilla Grügiel (left) Monika Banas(right)

One of the  most popular features  on the program each year is  "Greetings from near and far away " Among the greatings this year was Swedish Emigrant Institute Fellow of  2000 Monica Banas from the University of Krakow  

                                                         
Another faithful visitor to  to the Minnesotaday and other Swedish-American events was Carl Boberg who brougt greetings  from his hometown Nisswa in nothern Minnesota .

Last but not least was the Swedish Emigrant Institute's first director Professor Ulf Beijbom present along with his wife, textileartist Viola Kristiansson.