Sculptor Jussi Vikainen’s granite sculpture Summa War Memorial was erected in memory of the battles of the Winter War during a period of generational change, when political engagement was active and several war memorials were erected in Turku’s cityscape.

Fierce battles that proved decisive for the outcome of the war were fought in Summa, near the border between Finland and the Soviet Union, in 1939–1940.

Vikainen’s sculpture reflects both the destruction caused by artillery fire and the fact that the bombardments did not result in total devastation. Beside the deep wounds torn into the granite by the bombs, the granite pillars remain intact.