[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 116 (Thursday, August 1, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1448]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     TRIBUTE FOR FINNFEST USA 1996

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. BART STUPAK

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, August 1, 1996

  Mr. STUPAK. Mr. Speaker, it is an honor for me to bring to the 
attention of the House and the entire Nation of the 14th annual 
FinnFest USA festival, which will be held in Marquette, MI, on August 
7-11, 1996.
  FinnFest USA is a national festival, open to everyone, celebrating 
the culture of Finland and Finnish Americans. It is held annually, 
hosted each year at a different site, and this year it is being held in 
Michigan's Upper Peninsula at Marquette.
  FinnFest USA traces its beginnings back to September 12, 1982, when 
Tauri Aaltio, executive director of Finland Society, Helsinki, Finland, 
hosted a meeting in Minneapolis, MN. At the meeting, 39 representatives 
from Finnish American organizations from throughout the United States 
met to discuss the new organization. One of the goals of the 
organization is to work with new immigrants in the United States and to 
keep their cultural ties. So Finnish families and those who wish they 
were Finnish come together to celebrate their ethnic heritage. At this 
first meeting the Finland Society voted to call their annual festival 
``FinnFest USA''.
  The first FinnFest was held the following year on August 7, 1983. The 
39 original representatives voted and approved that this annual 
festival was to be held each year in a different location in the United 
States. Its bylaws and articles of incorporation were read and 
approved. The election of the first board of directors was held, and it 
was decided that there would be nine board members. Three members from 
each the Western, Midwest, and Eastern parts of the United States.
  FinnFest USA provides Finnish Americans an opportunity to meet one 
another and to broaden and deepen their knowledge of Finland and 
Finnish American history and culture. This year's event will include 
music, folk dancing, dances, educational forums, arts and crafts, 
exhibits, banquet, and other food events, singing and much more.
  The FinnFest USA '96 theme is ``Finn Family Reunion: Passing the 
Torch of Heritage,'' indicating the festival will be a big family 
reunion. In recognition of the large number of Finnish Americans who 
reside in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, FinnFest USA '96 will be 
making its third appearance in 14 years in the Upper Peninsula. Carl 
Pellonpaa is president of FinnFest USA '96. Carl is the host of Suomi 
Kutsuu (Finland Calling), the only weekly Finnish language television 
program in the United States.
  The unique bond between the Upper Peninsula of Michigan and Finland 
was evident by the recent visit to my Washington, DC, office of the 
Speaker of the Finnish Parliament, Ms. Riita Uosakainen. I found 
Speaker Uosakainen to be an outgoing, thoughtful person who truly 
represents her country, her people and all Finnish Americans in a warm, 
graceful manner.
  I look forward to joining Ms. Uosakainen, Mr. Pellonpaa, all the 
``true Finns'' and the ``fake Finns'' at the opening of FinnFest USA 
'96 in Marquette on August 7, 1996.
  Mr. Speaker, FinnFest USA and Finnish Americans enjoy a proud 
history. On behalf of the State of Michigan, the Upper Peninsula of 
Michigan, and the entire Nation, I would like to declare FinnFest USA 
Observance Week, August 5-11, 1996, and congratulate FinnFest USA on an 
excellent festival which is recognized as part of our Nation's and our 
Finnish heritage.

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