The Icelandic Canadian - 01.12.1963, Page 45

THE ICELANDIC CANADIAN
43
was always that beautiful combination
of dignity and genuine humility. To
all the handshake was always the same,
the same kindly expression on his
face. His was a goodness which in the
words of Daniel Webster is an inheri-
tance of eternity.
Haraldur married Anna Margrethe.
daughter of the late Rev. and Mrs.
NieJ Steingrimur Thorlakson. They
had four children: three sons, Rev.
Harald in Vancouver, Wash., Rev.
Eric H. in Camas, Wash and George
in Kelso, Wash.; one daughter, Mar-
gret, Mrs. Elvin Kristjanson of Seat-
tle.
Dr. Haraldur Sigmar was born in
Iceland, October 20th, 1885 and died
in Kelso, Wash. October 29th, 1963.
-W. J. L.
LEIF ERIKSON GROUP
PROPOSES NATIONAL DAY
—by Inga McCarthy
The Leif Erikson Association Inc.,
of Los Angeles, Calif., representing
groups of Swedish, Danish, Finnish,
Icelandic and Norwegian extraction
was founded for the purpose of secur-
ing additional data on Leif Erikson's
discovery of America.
By the aid of scientific research and
the United States Geodetic Department
of the Interior as well as recently un-
earthed artifacts and Vatican church
records of Vinland (America) we have
indisputable proof that the “Sagas”
recording the discovery of America by
the Norsemen in the year 1000 are
genuine.
In view of these developments, the
association has through legislative
channels introduced a bill requesting
that the Congress of the United States
of America establish and proclaim the
9th of October of each year as Leif
Erikson Day. We have been fortunate
in receiving support from organiz-
ations and individuals from the north,
south, east and west of our nation
petitioning Congress to designate Oc-
tober 9th as Leif Erikson Day. These
supporters have invariably incorporat-
ed in their resolutions and requests
that Congress has remained apathetic
in this cause, that action by the Legis-
lature Tribunal to honor the great
viking explorer is long overdue.
So far 5 proposals sent to Congress
have been ignored. Let us hope, this
time, our efforts will be rewarded
favorably by Congress.
Through the efforts of Mr. Lands-
werk we are again contacting senators,
governors and representatives to spon-
sor and work for this bill. We have
had very favorable replies. We would
like to have every Scandinavian organ-
ization and individual, who is interest-
ed in having a Leif Erikson Day,
publicize the fact and work with us
in making this a success. This can best
be done by sending delegates to the
association to work with us.
Let us make 1963 the year that Con-
gress establishes a Leif Erikson Day.
We meet the first Monday of the
month at 1359 W. 24th St., Los Angeles
at 8:00 p.m.
—Courtesy Logberg-Heimskringla