For months, controversy has flared over where to place a statue of World War II resistance hero Max Manus. Now the arguing sides have finally agreed on a setting.
The statue by Per Ung was initially earmarked for the popular Aker Brygge complex on Oslo’s waterfront, but other war heroes objected, claiming Manus’ most explosive acts of sabotage were not carried out at Aker Brygge, site of the former Akers Mek shipyard. Rather, another resistance group was active there, while Max Manus and his colleagues targeted German vessels near the piers below the Akershus Fortress and Castle.
Now his statue will be place on a grassy field at Akershus. There may not be as much foot traffic beyond the site as at Aker Brygge, but most agree it’s a more geographically correct setting.
The statute will be unveiled by Norway’s greatest living war hero, Gunnar Sønsteby, during ceremonies on June 7, the day when Norway’s old union with Sweden dissolved in 1905 and when the late King Haakon returned to Norway after World War II.
Views and News staff
