Norwegian character

ice sculpture of Amundson

Today is the 100th anniversary of the day Roald Amundson and his team of Norwegian explorers arrived at the South Pole.  [HERE a link to the BBC coverage of a ceremony of commemoration.  That is where the photo is from.]  Of course, we in AmCon can not take notice of this event without also thinking of the "Father" in Ragtime and his adventure with an expedition to the North Pole.  I wonder if the Manitou Messenger covered the accomplishment?

The BBC also reports that the Norwegian Prime Minister noted that the explorers had the same virtues "that the young nation wanted to be recognized by: courage, determination and endurance."  Maybe Rolvaag would endorse this.  Maybe Boe would.  I can't say for sure, but I do know that they each admired the virtues they saw as characteristic of Norwegians and their culture.  These seem to be rather stoic virtues, perhaps well suited to polar expeditions and long, dark winters.