Parade on the Flag Day of the Finnish Defence Forces
This year, the Finnish Defence Forces Flag Day Parade will be organised in Rovaniemi on 4 June 2019.
The Finnish Defence Forces Flag Day is celebrated on 4 June. The day is an official flag-raising day. Through the years 1919-1939, a similar day was celebrated on 16 May called the Flag Day of the Army. In 1942, the birthday of Marshal of Finland Mannerheim on 4 June started to be celebrated nationally. In 1950, the name of the celebration was changed to the Flag Day of the Finnish Defence Forces.
The first Defence Forces Flag Day Parade was organised in Helsinki in 1952.
Flag Day Parade in Rovaniemi on 4 June 2019
The Commander of the Finnish Air Force, Major General Pasi Jokinen will review the Defence Forces Flag Day National Parade in Rovaniemi on 4 June 2019 together with representatives of the City of Rovaniemi and war veterans. The Parade troops will be commanded by Brigadier General Jari Mikkonen, Chief of Staff Air Force Command Finland.
The Parade will comprise troops from the Air Force, Army, National Defence University, Border Guard, and war veteran and national defence organisations.
Lapland Air Command is responsible for the preparations and execution of the parade.
Welcome to attend the review of troops at Rovaniemi Keskuskenttä, and the pass in review on Jätkänkynttilä bridge. The general public is welcome to come and take a look at the Defence Forces equipment at Vanha Tori during the day.
Parade Programme 4 June 2019
| 9.00 |
Laying of wreaths on the Winter War and Continuation War Memorial |
| 10.00 |
Ceremonial raising of the Flag |
| 10.00-17.00 |
Equipment display |
| 12.00 |
Review of troops |
| 13.15 |
Pass-in review |
| 14.00 | Hornet display flight |