ST. PAUL — On Oct. 9, 1825, 53 Norwegians arrived in New York via a ship called the Restauration , marking the beginning of Norway emigration to the United States.

On Tuesday, almost exactly 200 years later, His Royal Highness Crown Prince Haakon of Norway arrived at Norway House in Minneapolis as part of a bicentennial commemoration of that turning point for our two countries.

It was a moment of goodwill that bridged continents, cultures and languages.

The prince smiled as he stepped out of a Volvo and was cheered by a Minnesota-nice crowd of people wearing Norwegian sweaters and bunads (traditional folk costumes) and waving Norwegian flags in the crisp October morning air.

“We are honored to have you!” said Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey to the royal delegation (accompanying the cr

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