POST FALLS - When Elin Ringdal learned that Norway's independence was being celebrated at Falls Park on Tuesday, the Lake City High foreign exchange student from that country jumped at the chance to wear her bunad traditional dress.

"We wear these on special occasions such as Christmas, Independence Day and to people's weddings," Ringdal said. "May 17 is a big deal in Norway."

Ringdal and other Norwegian foreign exchange students were special guests at the 10th annual flag raising ceremony and celebration sponsored by the Sons of Norway in Post Falls for Syttende Mai - Norway's Constitution Day.

May 17, 1814, was the day that the Constitution was ratified by the National Assembly at Eidsvoll.

About 25 Norwegians waved the country's flag, donned red, white and blue attire and shared in a potluck picnic to celebrate Norway's heritage. Post Falls City Council member Linda Wilhelm read a proclamation commemorating the day.

Jason Bonnicksen, pastor of the American Lutheran Church in Kellogg whose ancestors are from Norway, said it's important for Norwegians to remember their long and rich heritage.

"You can't know where you are going unless you know where you've been," Bonnicksen said. "It's good to know where you've come from so we can pass traditions on to our children and make a better life for them. It's good to mark milestones."

Silverton's Ruby Hill has passed the tradition on to her two children, Kenny Hill and Connie Bunch, who both attended the ceremony with their mother. Bunch said she was particularly touched by the "Two Flags" poem that was read and featured the American and Norwegian flags.

"This is my first time here, and I think it's pretty cool to honor our heritage and remember where our ancestors are from," Bunch said. "It makes me proud to be a Norwegian and it makes me proud to be an American."

Syttende Mai is also a family day featuring children's parades. Residents of Norway wake up to band music in the streets and kids get to eat as much ice cream as they want.

While it's a time to party and eat well - similar to the Fourth of July - there are no fireworks in Norway.

Ringdal said that while she missed being away from Norway on Tuesday, she was happy to be able to attend a Constitution Day celebration here.

"It's nice to have a chance to see what it's like in a different country," she said.

Synnove Buen, who is a Norwegian exchange student attending Coeur d'Alene High, said she heard of the Sons of Norway organization, but didn't realize it's so widespread. She said the ceremony was a pleasant surprise.

"It's different to be away from family and friends today, but this is good," Buen said. "It's neat that we can be here."