Veterans’ Day flag-raising ceremony on 27 April honours veterans and commemorates beginning of peace
National Veterans’ Day is observed on Monday 27 April. The day marks the end of the Second World War and the beginning of peace, while also commemorating the legacy of war veterans and the wartime generations. In Espoo, the traditions include a flag-raising ceremony open to all in Tapiola and a wreath-laying ceremony at Espoo Cathedral’s war graves.
The main Veterans’ Day event is held in a different city each year, and many municipalities also organise their own events. This year’s main ceremony will take place in Mikkeli, where the headquarters of the Finnish Defence Forces were located during the war. The theme of the ceremony and the preceding Veterans’ Week is ‘Facing the future together’. The theme is an invitation to remember, to understand, and to build – together.
The capital region’s own Veterans’ Day event for invited guests will be held at the Finnish National Opera and Ballet.
Shared moment of commemoration at Tapiola Amfi
The flag-raising ceremony and the blessing of the wreath bearers at the Tapiola Amfi start at 9:30 and last about 20 minutes. Music will be performed by PPO Windband and Espoo’s veterans choir. A speech to the Finnish flag will be delivered by Joona Lipponen, Chair of the Aalto University Student Union Board, and the wreath bearers will be blessed by Parish Pastor Raigo Liiman.
Coffee can be bought at the Soldiers’ Home Association’s sales point. The long history of the Soldiers’ Home Association is reflected in its work, which brings together Finns of all ages and preserves communal traditions.
“The veteran generations built the foundation for peace, freedom and prosperity. Remembering their legacy strengthens our sense of community and responsibility and our faith in the future,” say Mayor Kai Mykkänen and Chief Security Officer Petri Häkkinen, inviting everyone to the flag-raising ceremony.