Induction into Christian the Fourth’s Guild on July 4th — Celebrated the Spirit of Friendship

Seven benches were present in Duus’ Wine Cellar to conduct this year’s induction of new members into the Guild as part of the ongoing friendship between the United States and Denmark—a long-standing tradition where friendship takes center stage.

Ten expectant new members, along with at least as many guests in the cellar, went through the well-known induction ritual of Christian the Fourth’s Guild. Prior to the ceremony, it was established that all present—both the inductees and the guests—understood and spoke Danish. Therefore, it was decided that the induction would be conducted in Danish on this occasion.

As usual for the July 4th inductions, there was a tight schedule, as most attendees needed to make it to the Rebild Society’s luncheon ahead of the main event in the hills.

The ten new members learned all about the Guild’s rules and regulations and were also given the mandatory city tour, albeit the cut version due to time constraints. Afterwards, the newly inducted tasted the traditional mead, and everyone passed this test successfully. Then, they were seated, and the Christian the Fourth’s Guild gala lunch was served. Beer was tasted, and—according to the head table—later also snaps, which still very much belongs to Aalborg and proudly bears the city’s name.

All good things ended, as they say, except good friendship. That must be nurtured and built upon, a message that the guild brothers underlined with their farewell song.

Afterwards, everyone departed for Rebild Hills. Upon arrival, it was immediately clear that something new had been introduced - the usual white tent in the parking lot in front of Rebildhus was nowhere to be seen. Instead, a large tip had been erected in the area normally used for overflow parking.

It was exciting to step inside, and without a doubt, the intended atmosphere was achieved, as a warm and cozy mood quickly spread.
Then came the luncheon, which was completed within a couple of hours and included speeches—among them one by Rebild Society chairman Jørgen Bech Madsen, who emphasized the value of friendship in light of the current situation with a rather controversial U.S. president.

But the Rebild Society has existed since 1912, always based on friendship between the U.S. and Denmark, founded especially of the many Danes who over the years became Danish-Americans.
Throughout its history, the Rebild Society has worked to promote this message of friendship, regardless of who the U.S. president has been—serving as a global signal that friendship between nations is essential to mutual well-being.

As tradition dictates, Christian the Fourth’s Guild also took to the stage to present C4 ties and caps for the gentlemen, and C4 scarves and caps for the ladies among the special invitees. This year’s guests included Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen, world-renowned Aalborg-born ice hockey player Nicolai Ehlers, and Member of Parliament Muhammed Rona.

As is also tradition for July 4th events, the weather proved difficult to control. This year brought a healthy dose of rain—but the tipi tent managed to keep guests dry. It became more challenging when the rain arrived during the main event in the hills.

 Se the pictures here