From Esa Honkimaki to Abigail O’Brien
“When Thomas and I began to play with my old Airfix models at my mother’s house that day, I had a very strange feeling inside me. I found it astounding that a Finn and a German – the descendants of an ally and enemy – were playing together with these aircraft models bearing enemy markings. At that moment I felt warmness and a good feeling went through my whole body – although we personally have had nothing to do with our countries past troubles, somehow it was like atonement. Ireland will hold next presidency of the EU in 2013 and it occurs to me that “Airfix Days” is the perfect way to show the big boys that we need to learn to play together in Europe – in spite of our history, our various identities, and the economic difficulties of our countries. There is a little boy living inside every grown up man and I bet they all remember the Airfix models of their childhood. I believe this exhibition has the power to move something inside their souls and bring them to play together again.I have said many times here in Lapua that we need women’s touch to bring things in right order. I think that the whole of Europe needs that touch right now.”