Independence Park

In November 1999 the veterans’ committee proposed to the municipal board that an Independence Park be established, since no park or building in Toholampi had been named to honor the work of the veterans. The committee felt that the park opposite the library was the right location because it is centrally placed and contains the monument to those who left for the war. In January 2000 the municipal board approved the proposal, but construction was delayed due to discussion over the park’s exact location.

A provincial national defense celebration was held in Toholampi on Sunday, 25 August 2002, marking the anniversaries of several local veterans’ organizations: the 60th anniversary of the Toholampi Disabled War Veterans Association, the 55th anniversary of its women’s section, the 35th anniversary of the Toholampi War Veterans Association, and the 30th anniversary of its women’s section. The day’s ceremonies included the dedication of Independence Park. The ribbon cutting was carried out by Lieutenant General Kari Rimpi, Field Bishop Hannu Niskanen and Municipal Council Chair Jorma Maunula. The park was consecrated by Field Bishop Hannu Niskanen. The event featured performances by the Ostrobothnian Military Band under the direction of Senior Lieutenant Hannu Haahkala, journalist Erkki Kujala and cantor Antti Haapaniemi. Wreaths from the municipality of Toholampi and the Finnish Defence Forces were laid during the ceremony.

The park area by the market square in the center of Toholampi is bordered by an anchor chain fence attached to stone posts. The gate, which echoes the municipal coat of arms, was designed by Hannu Kivelä and forged in iron by blacksmith Mauri Haapamäki. A flagpole has been installed in the park, and cannons stand on either side of the memorial stone