The Finnish American Folk Festival of Naselle is pleased to welcome the return of . . .

Benita and Norman Westerberg

A much decorated, honored and distinguished guest, Norman has become not only a friend of our festival but also has a golden key to their friends’ Summer Cottage he and his wife Benita visit when they come to Naselle.

Norman has done much for Finnish-Americans and expatriates nationwide, serving as a board member and chair, and encouraging locals to host FinnFest USA. He chaired 1989 FinnFest, held in Seattle. Norman is active in many Finnish and Swedish Finnish groups in Seattle. He also was a leader for the Expatriate Parliament in Finland, helping create a dual citizenship offered by Finland to its citizens and American residents.

His study, lectures, friendship and enthusiasm have graced our festival. We welcome Norman and Benita. They recognize Naselle as a leader in spirited Finnish-American festivals and communities. Thank you!

At this festival, Norm and Benita lead a panel on the film, Mother of Mine. The film, about Finnish children sent to neutral Sweden during the hellish World War II, is of major importance. And Norm and Benita were two of that of generation. They provide some extra historical perspective.

The top photo on this page shows Benita (at left), age 15, with Gunilla of the Rhedin family. Benita stayed with the Rhedins eight months in 1944.

The second photo shows Norman (at left), age 11, with the youngest son of his host family, Lennart Lundén, age 10, and Norman’s brother Sven (at right). This photo was snapped as the two Westerbergs prepared to leave for home, at the end of the Winter War in the spring of 1940.

More people at the festival: finnam.naselle.net/2008/people/

Musicians at the festival: finnam.naselle.net/2008/music/

Festival main page: finnam.naselle.net/2008/