Day of the Finnish Defence Forces
Description:
In June 2006, the commander of the Defence Forces, Admiral Juhani Kaskeala, laid wreaths in the morning at the Heroes’ Cross memorial and Marshal Mannerheim’s grave at Hietanimi Cemetery in Helsinki.
The state parade took place in 2006 in the city of Vaasa on the west coast of the country. It was attended by 1,500 military and 85 units of military equipment from all defense districts of the country. The air parade involved four Hornet fighter interceptors, four Hawk jets and four light helicopters. Kaskela, in his speech at the parade, spoke decisively in favor of universal conscription. Kaskela said Finland's defence should be organised on the basis of universal conscription, regardless of national security policy decisions. Finnish Defence Forces Day is held on June 4 and is dedicated to the birthday of Marshal Carl Gustav Emil Mannerheim.
Mannerheim Carl Gustav Emil, Baron (4 June 1867, Louhisaari Manor, Askania - 28 January 1951, Lausanne, Switzerland), Finnish statesman, marshal (1942), President of Finland (1944-46).