[keitele]

What is said about Finland in WW2 in the article about Touko Laaksonen, seems a bit blurry to me. After the Winter War 1939-40 Finland did not capitulate to Soviet Russia. The Finnish Army and State have never either capitulated or surrendered. The so called Interim Peace was made March 1940.

Touko Laaksonen served 1940-44. Finland had the "Continuation War" with the Soviet Russia 1941-44, survived it, and then expelled the German forces, that had been helping us against a common enemy while Finland (being a democracy) never joined the Axis Pact, from the northern Finland 1944-45. In spite of the fact we were in war against both sides, eg Russia & the British Empire, and Germany, Helsinki was one of three European capitals of the countries in war never occupied by enemy forces. The two others were Moscow and London. USA never declared war against Finland.

Casualties in the wars between Finland and Russia 1939-44 were: 90.000 Finns; one and half (1.5) million Russians. Our Commander-In-Chief, Marshal of Finland, Baron Gustaf Mannerheim (1867-1951) was gay. He was also Regent 1918-1919 and President of the Republic 1944-46. There are two other prominent gay and lesbian figures in the Mannerheim family.
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J.Keitele
Columnist, historian, Helsinki.

[gennee]

Keitele:

Thank you for imparting that bit of history to us. I never knew about Finland's role in WW2. Despite the odds against them, the Finns prevailed. You are to be commended for your courage.

Gennee