Westmann Islands celebrate the 40th anniversary of the end of the volcanic eruption

On July 5, we were honored by an invitation from Vestmannaeyjabær to join in the Goslokahátíð celebration on Heimaey to mark the 40^th anniversary of the end of the volcanic eruption that nearly destroyed the city.  This terrible eruption prompted one of the proudest moments in the Icelandic-American friendship as American volunteers joined in the Icelandic efforts to evacuate hospital patients, save buildings, move household goods, and even sheep out of the island.  The Keflavik Base Commander and then-Ambassador to Iceland Frederik Irving also worked tirelessly to provide 19 high power water pumps that many say saved the city and the harbor  by slowing the flow of the lava... 

We were especially proud that the daughter of Ambassador Irving and her family participated in the ceremonies commemorating this event in Iceland.  She read a message from Ambassador Irving who had wanted to be in Iceland for the event.  While he was not able to make the trip, he wanted the people of the Westman Islands and of Iceland to know that he still vividly recalls the events of 1973 and remembers fondly all that was accomplished in 1973 through Icelandic-American cooperation. 

Commemorating the historic eruption on the Westman Islands

Mary and I were honored by an invitation to speak at the ceremony that commemorated the 40th anniversary of the beginning of the eruption that nearly destroyed Heimaey, in the Westmann Islands. It was a solemn, touching, and very special event. We began at the museum where we heard a few stories about that fateful January 23rd 1973, and subsequent efforts to rebuild. It was followed by a service at the Landakirkja church with the participation of the Bishop of Iceland, then several thousand men, women, and children walked to the harbor carrying torches. The streets lights were turned off to add a dramatic effect when several hundred people lining the mountain of lava lit flares to emulate what the eruption looked like that day.

The procession gathered inside the ferry Herjólfur to hear live music, more stories, and a few speeches. It is difficult to describe how proud we felt being a part of this event and we were especially touched by the expressions of gratitude that islanders had for the extensive support provided by the United States. As I mentioned in my remarks, when Icelanders and Americans worked together to slow down the lava flows, they demonstrated that people were not powerless in the path of a volcano. It was a great example of what the United States and Iceland can accomplish together.