Each year on the 4th of July, Americans all across the country proudly strut their patriotism and pride in their their homeland, but they aren’t the only ones. Danes and Danish-Americans have been celebrating the American Independence Day in Denmark’s Rebild National Park since 1912.
The former livestock pastures that that are now Rebild Park were originally purchased in 1911 by a group of Danish immigrants living in America. After purchasing the land they gave it as a gift to the country of Denmark, with a few caveats that they insisted be upheld for them to keep the land. The investors wanted the land to be a place where Danish-Americans and their family member still in Denmark could celebrate their shared heritage. Their terms stated that the park must remain a natural space, be available to the public, and most importantly be able to host celebrations of American holidays. Thus every year since 1912 (barring some periods during World Wars I and II) The Fourth of July has been celebrated over in Denmark as the Rebild Festival.
The celebrations last through the week of the Fourth and include speakers and entertainment. The speakers and entertainment change each year but it is not unusual to see members of the Danish royal family in attendance or celebrities/politicians from either nation.
Rebild Park remains a picturesque area of green rolling hills. The path leading to the hills is lined with the U.S. and Danish flags along with flags from all 50 U.S. states and the Virgin Islands. There is also a log cabin representing Lincoln’s cabin with an exhibit on the original Rebild Society, which is open on the Fourth.