Big Celebration for The Danish Soldiers Society in Los Angeles

Article by Dave Seale and Photos by Arne B. Pedersen and Toni Andersen

Den Danske Soldaterforening celebrated its 75^th Anniversary with a gala dinner – dance on Saturday, March 8, 2014 at The Alamo in the Highland Park area of Los Angeles.  Among the many guests were two of the longest long time members, Poul Ladefoged who joined in 1957 and Ken Knud Balling who joined in 1960.

We enjoyed some fine piano music through our dinner and later some great dancing music, all performed by John Cosgriff, who has entertained us on prior occasions. The Dinner was catered by Master Chef Max Christensen, who prepared a dejlig shrimp salad. The entrée was Sprængt Svinekam with brussel sprouts and brunede kartofler. For dessert, Max made an excellent lagkage for each table.

The Danish Soldiers Society began in Oakland in 1938 and within a year, it also had been established in Los Angeles. In March of 1940, the group celebrated its first anniversary in Los Angeles. And, thus it was that these Soldiers celebrated their 75^th Anniversary on this past March 8^th.

The Soldiers bought the building they call Alamo in 1973 and since then, it has been well used not only by the Soldiers but other Danish organizations as well, including the Danish Brotherhood and Rebild Society. It also has been used for many private parties put on by members of the Danish Community.

The Soldiers purpose as established in its bylaws, is “to cultivate, promote and encourage art, sports and social intercourse among its members and to inculcate the principles of charity, justice and brotherly love and fidelity and to promote welfare and enhance the happiness of its members.”  In a visit to the Alamo, you can see some beautiful wall murals depicting famous scenes in Danmark. In addition, you can find photos of young Danish sailors and soldiers, some of whom are still attending functions in the Alamo.