Ambassador Vollebæk gave the award in recognition of De Boer's leadership as chairperson for the past eight years of the "Little Norway Festival" held annually for fifty years in Petersburg, Alaska. He cited her "drive, determination, vision, volunteer spirit, and willingness to keep the traditions and history of Norway in this country alive and strong.
Petersburg is a tiny village of 3,200 people located on the southeast coast of Alaska. It was settled by Norwegian fishermen and continues today to retain its strong Norwegian flavor.
The Little Norway Festival is a 4-day event held on the 17th of May weekend. Plane-loads of eager visitors descend for the event - and for a powerful shot of Norwegian culture. Here are just a few of the incredibly varied and fun events to relish during a 4-day stay at the Festival: the 17th of May Parade, Herring Toss, All You Can East Shrimp Feed, Tour of the US Coast Guard Cutter Anacapa, Bunad fashion show, Pickled Herring Scandinavian Dance, "Make it! Take it! Rosamaling class," traditional food at Fedrelandet Sons of Norway lodge, and the Armed Forces Day Barbecue at the Elk's Lodge.
Vollebæk and his wife, Ellen, were among the thousands of visitors at the Festival this past May. They had a wonderful time and were very impressed with the town's hospitality and the success of the event. He commended the people of Petersburg and said "what they have done in their little festival has had vibrations far beyond their village in southeast Alaska to all of Alaska and the United States."
De Boer wowed the attendees at the US-Forum with her "Norway in Alaska" DVD presentation. It opened with the plane flying over Petersburg showing the glorious Alaskan nature, sea and harbor. It did not require any imagination to understand why Norwegian fishermen chose to settle there. It went on to show in beautiful color photography the Festival events, and succeeded in whetting everyone's appetite to visit.
In her acceptance speech, DeBoer thanked the Ambassador for his attention and respect that he gave her little town. "We have a fierce dedication to Norway and the Norwegian American culture in Petersburg, but so often feel a bit forgotten and left out. Whether it is because of our remoteness or the independent spirit that marks a Norwegian, your [Vollebæk's] visit gave a renewed sense of worth to many," she said. "We say you are the closest thing to Royalty that we have in this country, and just as King Harald, his sisters and Queen Sonja gave Washington, D.C. a renewed sense of vitality and strength on their recent visit, your visit left Petersburg with that same confidence. We will be talking about you for years to come."
"This had been the experience of a lifetime!" she declared. "For my whole community, it is an honor. A friend of mine once said when someone mentions the statement, 'It takes a village to raise a child,' she thinks of me. So as I stand here today, there are really 3,200 people standing with me. I accept this on their behalf - past, present
and future. I thank you - WE thank you."
DeBoer is Petersburg's Assistant Harbor Master when she is not teaching bunad making, or organizing another program for the festival.