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that meetings are conducted exclusively in English, which has created interest among a younger generation of Finnish Americans. Together with the Ladies, they have arranged several joint celebrations, including a national meeting held in Virginia in 1954, when a memorial stone of red granite ordered from Finland was dedicated in Olcott Park: "In honor of early Finnish pioneers who settled in the Virginia area in 1891, dedicated by the Knights and Ladies of Kaleva on August 1, 1954."
Relief Activities : Finnish participation in relief work in Virginia was by no means limited to the Kaleva Order. During World War I, for example, when the Red Cross was growing into a major relief organization, the Finnish women of Virginia formed a chapter of their own to support this organization. Then, after the war came the program to aid the Carelians. An article in the Päivälehti, 10 March 1922, described the extent of this work in Virginia: " . . . One significant and welcome development has been that in all communities there is apparent more and more unity in this question of aid to Carelia. In some places permanent relief committees have been established, and it is to be hoped this will also be done here in Virginia, since it is not a question of momentary relief but a need which will long continue. One of the biggest and most solemn occasions we have had for years was the benefit held at the temperance hall on 28 February, Kalevala Day. The hall was filled. Conrad Mattson served as master of ceremonies, giving an introductory speech about the Kalevala. Then the 'Veikot' quartet sang, Mr. Hill played the piano, Pastor Lappala spoke, as did Dr. Räihälä, who touched upon the reasons for the Carelia relief program. E. Koskela read a poem `To Carelia,' and the Young Peoples' Choir of the Evangelical Lutheran Church sang. The program was on a high level throughout - no frenzy, no defiance, no criticism, no threats. Receipts were $200, and before that the coffee party at Saranen's garage brought in $106. The net for the two occasions was $289, which has been forwarded to the National Bank in Helsinki."
During World War II, Finnish relief began with a collection for funds for a `Guard the Frontier' drive in November 1939. In December, after the commencement of hostilities, the women organized a group of their own, and a general Finnish aid committee was also organized.
The women, through their Finnish Relief Knitting Club, directed their efforts toward supplying warm clothing for Finnish soldiers in the battle lines and for civilians behind the lines. First
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