Finland Times

The main veterans’ day’s programme was held in Jyväskylä this year where people from different strata, including some war veterans gathered to  pay respect to the contribution of the patriotic sons of the soil.

Speaking on the occasion, the president, Sauli Niinistö remembered the war veterans pointing out their heroic acts during the world war.

‘ You joined the heroic war which was lasted for years even welcoming the risk of death,’ said the president, adding that the sacrifice should be honored.

Niinistö  admired the contribution of the war veterans and said recalling them with due respect is not only the responsibility of the nation, but also an obligation.

The president also discussed various aspects of the defense forces of the country and emphasized the importance of the international cooperation in the security and defense policy of Finland.

He hoped the European Union should develop a common security and defense policy and the issue could be included in agenda of EU summit scheduled for December.

Niinistö also said that compulsory military service, military neutrality and some other important issues were considered as  important in the report of the security and defense, which is now under discussion in the Parliament.

War veteran Pekka Kaartinen, who attended the programme from Heinola expressed his satisfaction over the colorful ceremony took place at the main programme in Jyväskylä.

‘The weather is cold but lots of people attended the programme.,’ he said, adding in a smiling face that he also saw the president from a short distance.

 Kaartinen observed that the war veterans are treated well in Finland. 

 Veteran Risto Moilanen, who attended the ceremony from Pieksämäki  also appreciated the people for showing respect to the veteran.

He said that the atmosphere was very good. 

Ignoring the chilly weather, there were lots of people also the outside of pavilion in Jyväskylä.

 Aino Lehtonen from Jyväskylä took  the floor (speech shift) at the main ceremony of the veterans and observed that the appreciation of the veterans has been improved in recent years.

He urged the municipalities to observe the day across the country.

National veterans' day is a remembrance day for all the war veterans in Finland. The day is being celebrated on April 27 every year since 1986 as the cabinet declared 27th April as the national veterans' day.

On 27th April, 1945, the very last German troops had left Finland and crossed the German occupied Norwegian border in the municipality of Enontekiö and the Finnish defence forces achieved the three-country border of German occupied Norway, neutral Sweden and Finland.

The Finns, on their behalf, at the request of the Allied Moscow Armistice controlling committee, attacked the Germans in Tornio, which was the end of the phoney war and the beginning of the real war of Lapland. Thefirst national veterans' day was celebrated the first time in Lahti, 27th April, 1987. There is one main event and several smaller main events in the various regions and many local events.