Suomen Lions-liitto r.y. - Suomenpojat, Virossa

Towards the end of World War II, in 1943-44, some 3.400 young Estonian volunteers joined the Finnish armed forces. This transition of troops form Estonia to Finland was the birth of the concept Suomenpojat, Finland-boys. These patriotic volunteers served in several units within the Finnish armed forces. In the beginning of 1944 a regiment, JR200, was formed of 2000 of these volunteers. This regiment took part in the most crucial battles for Finland's independence in Carelia in the of summer 1944, with some 200 casualties.The regiment was moved by ship back to Estonia 19.8.1944, and it participated in the battles against the Soviet forces until the end of the war, with heavy casualties. Some of the Suomenpojat who remained in Finland until the end of the war moved west to Sweden, Canada and the USA. Most of the remains of JR200, which was moved back to Estonia were captured as POW's by the Soviet army, and to be captured meant long imprisonments, 15-25 years in Siberia. Most of them had to make the trip to Siberia, where many lost their health due to the extreme hardships.

During the Soviet era the Estonian veterans were in a very poor position in their own country.

Post-war phases, paying the debt

1989 in Tarto, Estonia, the first major post-war meeting of the Suomenpojat was held, with 88 veterans attending. Some 700 veterans were still living at that time. The awareness of our debt towards the Suomenpojat was raised in Finland, especially among lions in districts 107- C, D and F.

*1991 the Suomenpojat-guild was founded in Finland (later Traditions Society)

*1991 the LC Kauhava arranged a nationwide fundraising. This paid for 1-2 weeks rehabilitation for some of the Suomenpojat in Finland 1991-93.

*In Luumäki, a memorial of JR 200 was revealed 18.8.1991. Nearly all remaining Suomenpojat joined from Estonia, Sweden, Canada and the USA, altogether over 550 men. The occasion, includung the adjoining programme was organized by the Kouvola Lions. Most of the Suomenpojat were abroad and in focus of any attention for the first time since the war.

Only now could the imminently important processing of war experiences for these veterans begin! In connection with this event in Luumäki the Suomenpojat-veterans were granted the highly valued Finnish "Oakleaf"-veteran's insignia. Some 100 clubs throughout Finland have been involved in this project over these 10 years, 50 lionsclubs have their own protegé-veteran, and over 100 lions families have direct personal contacts to these veterans. A rough estimate of the financial aid from Finnish Lions amounts to EUR 1,4 million, including about 1500 paid rehabilitation weeks for the veterans in Finnish rehabilitation centers.

The work has continued

Suomenpojat as an association and the veterans as individuals are now particular parts in the social networks of the Finnish Veterans organizations and the Finnish Lions. On 18.8.2001 the 10th anniversary of the Luumäki JR200 memorial was held, with almost all remaining Suomenpojat present, then totalling about 500 men. Lions of District 107-D covered travel and accommodation costs for the veterans.

The Finnish Lions have committed themselves to these men, providing rehabilitation services, care and friendship for their lifetime.