The Sarpsborg Girl (in danish ’Sarpsborgpigen’) is a gift from Struer’s Norwegian twin town, Sarpsborg.

After the liberation (World War II) citizens from Struer, Vinderup, Lemvig, and Holstebro sent gifts to Sarpsborg where food resources were scarce.

The ship ’Margina’ was loaded with packets with different supplies. On the packets were small messages for the Norwegians. One of the labels was read aloud when ’Sarpsborgpigen’ was inaugurated:

“Above the Mountain in the East, God’s own Sun smiles to a new-born Country. Norway is free!
But when the Sun sets behind the Sea to the West, it has seen Norway’s Victims and its Pain. Yes, Conflict and Suffering made you the poorest Country in the North, but in Spirit and Truth you were the outstanding one. Your Victims give rise to your Future”.

The sculpture is situated on the pier from which the ship ’Margina’ departed.

On inauguration day, September 26th 1948, around 3-4,000 people gathered, among them were 50 guests from Norway. The whole country witnessed it when the public radio broadcast the event.

’Sarpsborgpigen’ looks out over the Limfjord, and towards Skaggerrak with her eyes fixed on the coasts of Norway - at that point in time, the water did not separate Denmark and Norway, but instead united them.

She reaches out with her arms over her head in greeting, and a seagull flies above her hands. Together they form the symbol for eternity – the circle. It is as if ’Sarpsborgpigen’ once again sends another vessel towards the coasts of Norway.

The text on the footing bears the message of gifts and good fellowship forever.
 

Copyright Struer Museum