English

Mustavalkoinen arkistokuva, jossa ryhmä ihmisiä istuu kokouksessa Katajanokan Upseerikerholla, keskustelemassa rajamieskillan perustamisesta Helsingissä vuonna 1965.

Helsinki Border Guild – History and Founding

Helsinki Border Guild was founded on October 11, 1965, under the name Helsingin Rajamieskilta ry (Helsinki Border Guardsmen’s Guild). The establishment was preceded by active preparatory work that had begun in the spring of that year.

The first meeting took place on May 25, 1965, at the Officer’s Club in Katajanokka, where 45 former or current members of the border troops and the Finnish Border Guard — both men and women — gathered to discuss the creation of their own guild in Helsinki.

The meeting was led by Lieutenant General Kaarlo Vaala, and among the participants were the future commanders of the Finnish Border Guard, Yrjö Kärkkäinen and Ilmari Kirjavainen.

The official founding meeting was held at the same location in October. During this meeting, the guild’s rules were approved, and the official founding agreement was signed.

The founding agreement stated:

We, the undersigned, have today decided to establish the Helsinki Border Guardsmen’s Guild and have approved the rules specified below, joining as members.

The founding document was signed by Kaarlo Vaala, Sakari Aarnio, Yrjö Kärkkäinen, Eero Pitkänen, and others. A total of 58 people were present, ranging from generals to privates.

The guild’s bylaws defined its name as Helsinki Border Guardsmen’s Guild (Helsingin Rajamieskilta ry), its home base as Helsinki, and its operational area as the entire country of Finland.

The core mission of the guild has remained unchanged over the decades: to uphold the spirit of national defense, strengthen the border spirit, and promote community values. In addition, the guild supports and has supported war veterans and conscripts, while preserving shared memories and traditions.

Immediately after its founding, Helsinki Border Guardsmen’s Guild launched active operations. The Officer’s Club in Katajanokka served as an important meeting place, hosting social evenings, annual meetings, and celebrations.

Over the decades, the guild has brought together a wide range of men and women of all ages. It has participated in various activities, including memorial projects, celebrations, and the preservation of traditions.

Image: A meeting held in Helsinki in May 1965 to prepare for the founding of a guild.

Sources: Rajamme Vartijat 03/1965 and 06/1965.