IN celebrating today our country's 77th Independence Day, most Finns follow an old tradition of putting two lit candles at each window of their homes to illuminate the dark winter night.
Their delicate flames reflect the gratitude of the people for the sacrifices of the past generations in defending the freedom of the country and building a prosperous and democratic nation.
Today, more than ever, the candles also symbolise the optimism with which Finland prepares to take its new place as a member of the European Union on January 1, next year.
The Cold War ended five years ago and with it disappeared the ideological division of Europe. The post-war chapter of European history was finally closed.
This new situation gave neutral countries such as Finland, Sweden and Austria new opportunities to strengthen their traditional links with the rest of western Europe.
They chose to do so by seeking membership in an organisation which has become the anchor and guarantee of political stability and economic development in the continent, the European Union.
In an historic referendum in October, a majority of Finns voted in favour of the country's accession to the EU, a decision later confirmed by the parliament.