Finnish Defense Forces Banner Day (04/06)

On June 4, Finland celebrates Finnish Defense Forces Banner Day (Finnish). Puolustusvoimain lippujuhlan päivä). This is the official flag day in Finland dedicated to the birthday of Marshal Carl Gustav Emil Mannerheim. The state holiday was established in 1942.

Baron Carl Gustav Emil Mannerheim (1867—1951) — Finnish statesman, marshal (1942), President of Finland (1944—1946). Today's holiday is celebrated in memory of Mannerheim's contribution to the creation of the Finnish army on his birthday.

The Finnish Defence Forces were established in 1918. Their main task is — to protect the independence and territorial integrity of the Republic of Finland. They include ground forces, air force and naval forces.

On the day of the holiday, the commander of the country's Defense Forces lays wreaths in the morning at the Heroes' Cross memorial and at the grave of Marshal Mannerheim at the Hietaniemi cemetery in Helsinki.

A state parade is taking place in one of the country's cities. Typically, more than 1,500 military personnel and 85 units of military equipment from all defense districts of Finland take part in the parade.

Today, in honor of the holiday, in addition to the traditional military parade, military awards and military ranks are also awarded to particularly distinguished military personnel. As a festive attribute, it is prescribed to display the national Flag of Finland.

300