A number of events are scheduled in the ceded areas of Karelia this summer, which marks the 60th anniversary of the exodus of the local Finnish population in the face of an offensive by Soviet forces.
On June12th, the Lumivaara-festival took place. On the 13th a monument commemorating a successful defensive battle was revealed in Siiranmäki on behalf of the Kivennapa foundation.
On the 18th of June, a plaque to honour former Prime Minister Johannes Virolainen will be uncovered in the village of Yläsommi, and 2000 war veterans will be taking part in a celebration in Ihantala on July 2nd, to commemorate the great battle of Tali-Ihantala.
On the 11th of July a celebration is scheduled for Säkkijärvi, and on the 12th a trip to Uusikirkko. The Suorjärvi festival takes place between the 22nd and 27th of July at Suojärvi.
Helsingin Sanomat / First published in print 7.6.2004
