Finns Mark 70th Anniversary of Independence
The people of Finland quietly celebrated the 70th anniversary of independence from the Soviet Union with candles and wreaths Sunday.
Following tradition, lights in most homes were turned off at 6 p.m. and candles were placed in windows to honor the sacrifices of past generations.
The official celebration included a wreath-laying ceremony by President Mauno Koivisto at the Hero’s Cross monument, a church service in Helsinki Cathedral and a government lunch.
The Russian Grand Duchy of Finland declared itself independent of the new Bolshevik Soviet state on Dec. 6, 1917. In 1939, Finland ceded 16,000 square miles of territory to the Soviet Union after a three-month war.
Finland managed to remain independent after World War II and signed a treaty of friendship with the Soviet Union in 1948 that has guided bilateral relations since.
Start your day right
Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
