RESISTANCE MOVEMENT. A select group of members and activists recently gathered to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Nordic Resistance Movement.
On Saturday 2 April a closed party was held near Sundsvall, Sweden, with 50 specially invited guests coming together in a festive atmosphere. The occasion for the gathering was no less than an anniversary celebration marking 25 years since the foundation of the Nordic Resistance Movement.
In attendance were both veterans and younger talents from the movement, represented by members from across the Nordics. There was also a fond reunion with comrades from the banned Finnish branch of the Resistance Movement, whom many had not seen for a long time.
The role of host fell to Simon Holmqvist, who handled the task splendidly as usual. The festivities began with Holmqvist taking to the stage, greeting the guests and relaying information about the schedule for the evening.
First up was a film screening by Martin Engelin, who had managed to compile a video in record time documenting the major events in the history of the Resistance Movement, year by year, including many clips that had never been shown before. A pause was taken after every year depicted in the film to talk about the events in the clips and share memories from them. One thing that struck everyone was the incredible number of amazing activities that have been conducted continuously throughout all the years of struggle.
Next, the guests took their places at the table for the first course of dinner. In honour of the day, the chefs’ group had prepared a delicious and lavish three-course menu. After consuming the first course, it was already clear they had succeeded in satisfying the guests’ expectations.
It was then time for the leader of the Nordic Resistance Movement, Simon Lindberg, to take to the stage. Simon gave a powerful speech about the Movement’s history, which made mention of the various milestones that were passed during all the years of persistent struggle for the survival of the Nordic people. This reinforced the understanding of how far the Movement has come, and how much it has grown and developed in a positive direction.
Towards the end of his speech, Simon steered the audience’s thoughts towards the future, posing various potential paths of development, challenges and scenarios the movement may face. He followed this by explaining there is one thing we can all be sure of: that the struggle will advance no matter what darkness the future holds, and that the resistance will persist. This was met with resounding applause from an enthused audience.
The next item on the agenda was the main course of dinner, which consisted of a very tasty sirloin steak and potato salad. From hereon in, the more relaxed part of the celebration began, with the guests taking plenty of time to eat their food and talk with their neighbouring diners.
When everyone was full and content, Simon Lindberg took his place on the stage once again, this time to award diplomas to long-serving loyal members of the movement. One by one, the veterans ascended to the stage to accept their distinctions, all to applause and loud cheers. Afterwards came the serving of princess cakes decorated with Tyr runes – a perfect end to a fantastic meal.
The host had previously extended an invitation to all the attendees to take their place on the stage during the course of the evening and give spontaneous speeches about the Resistance Movement and its history. In response, different speakers stepped onto the stage one by one, offering everything from amusing anecdotes about events and comrades, to more profound and emotional thoughts about the movement and its history. These speeches were very popular and evoked many fond memories among the audience.
The troubadour and longstanding member Henrik Pihlström was also present and delivered what can best be described as a cavalcade of nationalist music hits. Many sang along and further elevated what was already a fantastic atmosphere in the venue.
Later in the evening, those who had not yet gone to bed were treated to violin playing and singing, mostly of old folk music. This happened spontaneously but quickly drew a large crowd of spectators, several of whom were so impressed that they strongly encouraged the musicians to record music together in the future.
The socialising, music and spontaneous speeches carried on long into the night. People were having so much fun that they had a hard time stopping and going to bed. When the festivities finally subsided and it was time to go home, everyone did so strengthened in their convictions and looking forward to continuing the struggle under the flag of Tyr for another 25 years!
