The city's highest point Taivaskallio was one of Helsinki's air defence bases during WW II.
Today in 1940 ended Winter War, the most important event in the history of independent Finland. Three months earlier poorly prepared Finland (population 4 million) was attacked by Soviet Union (population >100 million) during one of the coldest winters ever and against all odds Finland was still independent although 10% smaller. Later that year Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania became parts of Soviet Union for fifty years. If Stalin wouldn’t have been so paranoid towards his officers, Finland probably would have shared the same fate.
The first thing people connect with Helsinki and Winter War are air raids and air defence. Naturally many Helsinkians served in the military and people received news of dead relatives and friends. Today there are several not so well-known air defence memorials like the photographed Taivaskallio.
Despite the historical significance, today is just like any day for most Finns. Finns are proud of Winter War because of the survival but war is not admired. The Finnish flag is also reserved only for special occasions – and sports – so some people may find my photo too militaristic and too patriotic. I would, if the text would be about something not so important.
See photos from Winter War from Pictures From Wars During Finland’s Independence.
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