By Hammad Kahlun,
International Correspondent,
SNN Finland
Maija-Liisa Hemmi, now reflecting on her youth, recalls the terrifying first day of the Soviet bombings in Helsinki. At just 16 years old, she was attending a first aid class at her high school when the air raid began.
“The Russian embassy was just around the corner,” Hemmi said. “Some bombs fell particularly near the embassy. The sound and destruction were unimaginable for a young student like me.”
Students and teachers scrambled to find shelter as chaos engulfed the streets. The memory of that day has stayed with Hemmi for decades, shaping her understanding of courage and resilience during wartime.
Historians note that Helsinki, as a strategic city, was targeted during key moments of the conflict, and civilians like Hemmi had to adapt quickly to survive the attacks. Many families were displaced, schools were closed, and public services struggled to maintain order.
Hemmi’s story is a personal testament to the human side of history the fear, determination, and adaptability of ordinary citizens in extraordinary times.
She emphasizes the importance of remembering these events so future generations understand the sacrifices and struggles endured during the war.
“16-year-old recounts her first day surviving Soviet bombings in Helsinki.”
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