Finland will commemorate in the most solemn way next week the 80th anniversary of the end of the Winter War.
On 13 March 2020, exactly 80 years will have passed since the end of this small conflict fought between neighbours in the context of the Second World War.
Flags will be flown across the country. And Bells will ring out for five minutes in all of Finland’s Lutheran, Orthodox and Catholic churches at 10.55-11.00 on the commemoration day. In Senate Square, in front of the Cathedral, coffee will be served between 9.00 and 12.00, and there will also be music, short speeches and discussions.
The ringing of the bells will commemorate the exact moment when the war ended. The peace treaty between Finland and the Soviet Union entered into force on 13 March 1940 at 11.00. On the steps of Helsinki Cathedral 105 candles will be lit, one for each day of the Winter War, which began on 30 November 1939.
A national memorial service will be held at the Helsinki Cathedral at 10-10.30. The event is open to the public and will be attended by the state leadership.
Church service open to the public
The memorial service at the Helsinki Cathedral is open to the public. It will begin at 10.00.
Members of the public are requested to arrive at the Cathedral at 9.00-9.30. You may enter the church through the doors at Senate Square or on the same side as the Bank of Finland. Visitors are requested to leave heavy items at home and be prepared for a security check.
"Taking photos and videos of the event is prohibited," emphasized the Government Communications Department.
The memorial service will be broadcast live by the Finnish Broadcasting Company YLE.
In Senate Square, in front of the Cathedral, coffee will be served between 9.00 and 12.00, and there will also be music, short speeches and discussions.
The commemoration event has been organised by the Prime Minister's Office in conjunction with war veteran organisations.
