The Poulsbo Sons of Norway. Let’s face facts folks, if it weren’t for these dedicated men and women, the city might have ended up with a nickname and cultural upbringing that didn’t bring Norwegian royalty and our favorite “King” (of Scandinavian humor, that is) to town every now and again.

Fortunately, “Little Norway” is here to stay and, judging by the last nine decades, so are the Sons (and Daughters) of Norway. That’s a great thing.

The group’s commitment to Norwegian heritage is remarkable. But even more noteworthy is the fact that its history is indeed the history of Poulsbo, by and large. The lodge’s past and present is intertwined with that of the city so tightly that it is virtually impossible now to separate the two.

Even so, the Sons’ past is not a dead past. It is active and vivacious. Thriving even.

While the city is on the grow and the number of Norwegians in relation to Poulsbo’s population has declined over the years, the Nordic influence lives on. It goes so far as to shape the look of new buildings and deepen the already deep roots of its heritage. The city owes the Sons a debt of gratitude.

So much so, that we suggest, if it hasn’t been suggested already, that Feb. 22 be decreed “Sons of Norway Day” in Poulsbo. Not only would it mark the organization’s inception here in 1916 but it would also give the entire city a reason to get together and have a little fun.

Despite the fact that “Sons Day” should be today, the group isn’t letting the anniversary pass without a big party. As if it would.

The lodge is marking its 90th birthday celebration this Saturday. It should be a fitting tribute to members past and present, not to mention the countless hours of work to improve the community’s understanding of all things Norwegian. In all honesty, we still don’t fully understand the whole lutefisk thing but that’s OK. Some things are better left unlearned.