© Hans-Petter Fjeld, some rights reserved.

The other day I saw on Facebook some kind of poll regarding the 17th of May parade. In it, people were encouraged to express whether they think it is acceptable for flags other than the Norwegian one to be carried. It has, after all, become very relevant with an increasing number of people of foreign origin, both those who migrate to Norway and those seeking protection from war and persecution.
Many said NO – there should only be Norwegian flags in the parade. I don't think they have really thought it through. Because May 17th is Norway's national day. The day we celebrate the Constitution and the principles enshrined in it. The Constitution is the sum of Norway's history. The enterprising farmers, the weather-beaten fishermen and hunters, the adventurous Vikings, and all the hardworking people who extracted ore from the mountains. Norwegians have always loved freedom, but have also seen the necessity of having laws and rules to follow. "At lögum skal land várt byggja en eigi at ulögum øyða," said the old Frostating law, meaning, 'With law shall the land be built, and not with lawlessness destroyed.' Already in the 11th century, laws were important. And there is one thing worth noting: The old Norwegians did not go to King Solomon to have him judge their disputes; they took their cases to the assemblies (tings) and had them resolved there.
Our Constitution is not perfect. But it is the best we have, and I believe it is among the best in the world, so it is well worth celebrating. And celebrate we shall – but we must not "be self-sufficient." Norway is not a distant planet floating in an impenetrable void. Norway is, for better or worse, in the world.
Marching in the May 17th parade is how we show our Norwegian identity. We do not have military parades displaying weapons. We march in processions, sing, shout hurrah, and wave flags. And there are many different flags in the May 17th parade. Each school, each kindergarten, each band, each stand, each guild has its own banner under which they march. Everyone shows their identity, united under the Norwegian flag. There is, after all, no fundamental difference between a banner and a flag. Both are symbols of belonging. Of course, the Norwegian flag holds a special position, especially on May 17th. Those who are in Norway for various reasons, whether as guests, for work, or seeking protection, and who wish to participate in the celebration, should we demand that they erase their identity? Sail under a false flag, so to speak.
A ship sailing in the waters of another country flies its own country's flag and the flag of the country it is visiting. Flying its own flag is a symbol that shows identity, indicating where it comes from. The flag of the country it is visiting symbolizes that it is on a peaceful and legal voyage and has no ill intentions. In the same way, we can also look at different flags on National Day.
A flag from another country will not diminish the Norwegian one. On the contrary, it shows that Norway is a good and safe country where it is good to live. We should be happy that others want to celebrate with us, and that they want to show who they are.

Of course, it is now up to each individual which flag they want to carry, but as I said, I would find it natural to carry both flags for those who wish to do so.