Kauko Kortelainen

1997

Bronze

This statue of a soldier boy blowing vigorously into a cornet was erected as a tribute to boys involved in military operations. Nearly 74,000 boys between the ages of 11 and 17 were involved in military duties, supporting Finland’s defence on the home front while attending school, serving in non-combat roles such as messengers and medical assistants, as well as in aerial surveillance and guard duties. The statue was donated to the city of Lahti by the Soldier Boys Heritage Society and the Päijät-Häme Guild of Soldier Boys to mark the 80th anniversary of Finland’s independence. After its completion, the statue was placed in the park between Harjukatu and Yrjönkatu streets, in front of Folk High School (former a military hospital).

Statue of a soldier boy blowing into a cornet.
Kauko Kortelainen, Soldier Boy, 1997. Photo: Tiina Rekola/Malva.

Artwork on the map

In the park between Harjukatu and Yrjönkatu streets. – Harjukatu 46, Lahti.
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Soldier Boy

In the park between Harjukatu and Yrjönkatu streets. – Harjukatu 46, Lahti.

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