End of Winter War to be commemorated on Friday

The 80th anniversary of the end of the Winter War will be observed in Helsinki Cathedral on Friday, March 13, said a press release of the City of Helsinki.

To commemorate the days, a national memorial service will be held at 10.00–10.30. The event will be attended by the country’s leaders and is also open to the people.

Finland’s Winter War against the Soviet Union was brought to an end with the signing of a peace treaty between the two countries, which took effect on 13 March 1940.

The war had lasted 105 days. This year marks the 80th anniversary of the end of the Winter War.

Bells will ring out in all of Finland’s Lutheran, Orthodox and Catholic churches at 11.00, the precise moment when, 80 years ago, the peace treaty came into force. On the steps of Helsinki Cathedral 105 candles will be lit – one for each day of the Winter War.

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.