Värmland Sweden–America Day is celebrated with a ceremonial gathering at the mausoleum at Östra Kyrkogården in Filipstad.
Here is the English translation:
PROGRAM – JOHN ERICSSON DAY, AUGUST 1, 2026
At John Ericsson’s Mausoleum
12:45 Gathering music – Karlstad Wind Band
13:00 Devotional service with Assistant Minister Anne Buhl Skovsted
Summer Hymn 201 – “So Grand the Sun”, Soloist Kent Lundberg, Wind Band, congregation
Welcome address – Peter Johansson, Chairman of the John Ericsson Group
Swedish National Anthem – Soloist Kent Lundberg, Wind Band, congregation, flag parade
Greeting from America by the U.S. Ambassador to Sweden, Christine Torretti
U.S. National Anthem – Soloist Kent Lundberg, Wind Band, congregation, flag parade
Presentation of the Vasa Order of America
Wreath laying – flag parade
Wreath laying – U.S. Ambassador Christine Torretti
Salute – two shots, Swedish password signal, musical fanfare
Speech by Minister of Defence Pål Jonson
Musical performance – Soloist Kent Lundberg, Wind Band
Awarding of the Nils and John Ericsson Scholarship – Christer Olsson, Chairman of the Municipal Executive Board
“Värmlandsvisan” – Soloist Kent Lundberg, Wind Band, congregation
Procession down to Kanonudden / Kyrkviken
Inauguration of John Ericsson Park
THE BATTLE OF HAMPTON ROADS
Reenactment of the famous naval battle at Hampton Roads in 1862 between John Ericsson’s creation Monitor and the Confederate ironclad Merrimac during the American Civil War – a significant event in U.S. history
At Flakudden / John Ericsson Park, the Filipstad Women’s Voluntary Defence Service (Lotta Corps) will be selling coffee on this day.
The Naval Battle
During the day, The Naval Battle will also take place in Kyrkviken. This is a reconstruction of the historic Battle of Hampton Roads (1862), where John Ericsson’s Monitor faced the Confederate ironclad Merrimac. An engaging and visually striking spectacle that attracts both young and old to the waterfront.
Organisers: John Ericsson Group, Vasa Order of America
(Programme subject to change)
