March 6, 2003 –– As it has many times in the past, the Friends of Denmark Society will host members of the Dansk Vestindisk Selskab, which translates to the Danish West Indian Society, this spring.
A total of 70 Danes are expected to arrive March 29 on St. Thomas, where they will stay with Friends of Denmark members for a week before heading to St. Croix, where they will also stay with members.
"It's like an adult exchange group," St. Thomas Friends member Cathy O'Gara said.
These "Friendship Festivals" are held every two years, with Denmark and the Virgin Islands taking turns as hosts.
The Danes' visit is timed to coincide with the territory's Transfer Day observance on March 31. This year marks the 86th anniversary of the transfer of the territory from Denmark to the United States.
The Friends of Denmark dates back to 1967, when then-Gov. Ralph Paiewonsky planned celebrations for the 50th anniversary of Transfer Day that included members the Danish West Indian Society.
O'Gara said that many of the Danish West Indian Society members have direct ties to the Virgin Islands. "A lot of them are proud of their slave forebears," she said.
The Danes will participate in a Government House reception hosted by Gov. Charles W. Turnbull, who is a member of the local group. Other activities on St. Thomas will include visits to Coral World, Peace Corps School, the historic ruins at Botany Bay, Haagensen House and Villa Notman.
Their island hosts will hold dinner parties in their honor and all will attend a farewell dinner dance. O'Gara said that while details are still being finalized, residents are welcome at a Magens Bay beach party and the farewell dinner dance.
The St. Thomas branch of the Friends of Denmark celebrates three cultural holidays throughout the year. In addition to Transfer Day, the members observe Sankt Hans Aften, which is the Danish mid-summer celebration in June, and Mortens Aften, the Danish equivalent to Thanksgiving.
O'Gara said that membership is open to all. Danish ancestry is not a requirement. If you'd like to join or want more information about the Friends of Denmark, call Eleanor Cerge at 776-9357.
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