Today, Finland celebrates 102 years of independence. This has not always been an easy voyage for this small country with well over 1,000 kilometers of common border with our giant eastern neighbour Russia.
The two wars between 1939 and 1945 took a heavy toll on this country and most families lost loved ones whom we are collectively remembering this day.
At the small war heroes cemetery in my Pitäjänmäki – Sockenbacka village I laid down flowers on behalf of three regional residents’ associations – Pitäjänmäki, Konala and Pajamäki. A memorable and touching ceremony, low key as they usually are in this country.
Later tonight white candles will be lit inside the windows of Finnish homes, as a symbol of our commitment to this country and our togetherness that marks also this day.
