Nation pays tribute to Defence Forces amid Flag Day parade

Finland paid tribute to Finnish Defence Forces amid national parade on the Flag Day held in Jyväskylä on Sunday.

The theme of this year´s celebration was “Strong together – in the air, on land and at sea.”

Along the review of troops and pass in review, the programme also included a Midnight Hawks air show, a MILjazz concert, and an equipment display in the activities field.

A total of 1200 persons, more than 40 vehicles and 16 aircraft took part in the parade. All brigade-level units of the Air Force participated.

Units from the Army, Navy and Air Force, National Defence University, Border Guard and representatives from veterans’ and national defence organisations participated in the parade.

The Flag Day parade flypast displayed for the first time an international fighter jet detachment, said Finnish Defence Forces. F/A-18 Hornet squadron performed flypast over the city of Jyväskylä during the celebration.

The review of troops took place at Harju Stadium at 12.00. The pass in review started on Yliopistonkatu at 13.15 heading south.

The Commander-in-Chief of the Finnish Defence Forces, President Sauli Niinistö issued the Order marking the Day focusing the importance of Finland joining the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO).

“Joining NATO marks the beginning of a new era in our country’s history. While Finland will continue to be primarily defended by us Finns, from now on we will be doing so together with our Allies. The defence of our own territory will be Finland’s most significant contribution to NATO’s collective deterrence and defence. At the same time, we will bear our responsibility for NATO’s common obligations and actively participate in developing the Alliance,” said the President.

He also said that Finnish Defence Forces would continue to work relentlessly for Finland’s security in the future.

“Extensive work is under way to integrate our defence as part of NATO’s collective defence. It will take time, but we can face the future with confidence,” Niinistö added.

Commander of the Finnish Air Force Major General Juha-Pekka Keränen in his speech also focused the importance of NATO membership and own military performance of Finland marking the day celebrated in Jyväskylä, the home town of the Air Force.

He said that the membership of a military alliance ensures security for Finland, and Finland, in turn, ensures security for the alliance.

“NATO membership does not reduce requirements for our military performance. Our geographic location next to Russia, sharing a long border with it, creates specific requirements for our nation. As a member of NATO, we are committed to develop and sustain national and joint ability to defend against armed attack,” said Keränen.

Moreover, the NATO agreement broadens the scope of Finland’s activities and attitude towards the defence of the entire alliance, he added.