written by Kaisa Strommer
Kaarina Senior High School, Finland

Last December Finland celebrated its independence for the 86^th time. Our beautiful blue-white flags were again lifted up to the flag-poles and candles were lit.

And, of course, most Finns were watching, when our current President Tarja Halonen greeted all her guests. Despite the fact that I was very tired, I watched the film “The Unknown Soldier” on TV like I do every year. These are all traditions, which are part of my and many other Finns’ independence day.

Every year we have celebrated this day, but this year I really started to think about the real meaning of this day. Earlier I hadn’t seriously thought about what Finland’s independence means to me. It seems that I have taken it for granted. I think that sometimes I forget how valuable it is to live in an independent country because I haven’t lived in the times, when Finland was part of Sweden or Russia.

Unfortunately, we don’t always remember to appreciate these things and have forgotten the real purpose of Independence Day. It’s much more than a nice meal and a great gala organized by the President. We should be grateful for living in Finland and appreciate our grandparents, who bravely fought for Finland’s independence.

But when I watch the news and hear about the countries, which are still fighting for their independence, I remember how lucky I am to live here in Finland. Because of independence people here are free and they have many important rights. Life here in Finland is safer than in many other countries and we don’t have to be afraid all the time of what’s happening to us next. We have our own laws and our typical culture. These are all factors that strengthen our national identity and create solidarity.