Winter War spirit for weekday and celebration

We Finns have delightful freedom to gather together and enjoy from the worlds most beautiful landscapes. Risto Halonen from Newalco wants to remind that Finns freedom to enjoy from their own country can’t be taken for granted. “Finland is independent thanks to the heroes of Winter War”, he says, “so let’s honor them by keeping up a friend in need is a friend indeed attitude.”

”All Finns were heroes during the war”, says Risto Halonen, from Newalco Oy. The company manufactures various alcohol drinks. To the memory of Winter War’s beginning, they launched strong alcohol drink developed from mint that has grown in Kainuu. And now they have launched unflavored vodka to honor 70th anniversary of Winter War’s beginning. “This is our way to honor and commemorate veterans of war and all those Finns, who were affected by tragedy of war”, Risto Halonen from Newalco says. Risto Halonen says that they’ve received a lot of positive feedback about their Winter War -drink. “Also many young people have come to tell about their family’s life during the war. And pleasingly many have become inspired to study more about Finland’s near history”, says Halonen.

He thinks it’s important, that today’s young people remember that they are privileged when they get to live in safe and free country: “Things aren’t self-evident and received for free”, he emphasizes.

Spirit of Winter War combined nation

War between Finland and Soviet Union (1939-40) combined nation that was split by national war, to fight together for their independence. The sprit of Winter War was born; will to work for commonweal. Besides hundreds of thousands soldiers in Winter War, there were 84 000 women in Charlotte work. In home front civilians looked after the continuation of industries, agriculture and other production. Although war was short 105 days, consequences were tragic to Finns. Many people lost their homes and families. When war ended almost 430 000 Karelians were forced to leave their homes.

During the Winter War Finland got a lot of support from foreign countries: besides voluntary groups, all over Europe were organized happenings and occasions, where money and equipments were collected to help Finland. Danish sent canned foods, French sent ambulance, from Brazil Finland got coffee and even South-Africa was part of voluntary work: wine farmers sent 14 000 liters wine and 7000 liters cognac!

Risto Halonen bethinking that because Finland got help we should now help those, who suffer because of war or other catastrophes. “War is always tragedy nobody wants war”, “not between nations or to their own lives. We should remember to behave responsibly both at home and in the whole world.”

Even in wars 70th annual celebration or in it’s recollection you don’t abandon your friend.
When Winter War ended, commander-in-chief marshal Mannerheim sent 14.3.1940 day command from headquarters, where he spoke to Finns: “You didn’t want the war, You loved the peace, work and development, but You were forced to battle, where You have done great work, achievements, that will shine centuries on leafs of the history.”

Finns showed their braveness and courage when fighting against troops of Soviet Union. We should continue hero tradition and uphold spirit of Winter War as in weekdays like in this Winter Wars 70th annual celebration. Good advice to successful and happy winter celebration is to toast the honor of Winter War with good company, with patience and above all – a friend in need is a friend indeed.