Speech by President of the Republic Tarja Halonen at the National Parade on the Flag Day of the Defence Forces, 4 June 2007

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This year, we celebrate the 90th anniversary of Finland’s independence. Close cooperation has helped build up our country in both peace and wartime. The veterans of our wars deserve all our thanks, both as defenders of our independence and as builders of our society. Cooperation between the Defence Forces and non-governmental organisations plays an important role in preserving the legacy of our veterans.

Since becoming independent, Finland has developed from an agricultural country with scant resources into an affluent welfare society. During this time, there have been many changes in our security environment. Finns have had to take up arms to defend the country and its people. The Flag Day of the Finnish Defence Forces, is traditionally celebrated on the birthday of Carl Gustav Emil Mannerheim, Marshal of Finland, who is greatly respected by all of us. Today 140 years have passed since his birth. The heavy war years are behind us and we are blessed with a stable peace. Finland is now able to contribute through her own efforts to stability in neighbouring areas and in Europe as a whole.

The recently reformed Act on the Defence Forces spells out the duties of the Defence Forces in more detail than before. There are three such duties: military defence of Finland, support for other authorities, and participation in international military crisis management. Nevertheless, the military defence of Finland is and will continue to be the most important duty of the Defence Forces.

Finland’s security policy is based on a broad concept of security. A democratic and just society promotes stability and prevents the emergence of threats. All of the duties of the Defence Forces rely on cooperation with other authorities. This cooperation has always worked well, been adapted to changes brought by time and shown itself to be relevant and functional even in the world of today.

General conscription and women’s voluntary military service have proved to be factors that bring the nation together. The detachment on parade here today demonstrates this. General conscription and military reserves remain the cornerstones of Finland’s military defence. I urge you all to execute your duties to the best of your abilities, both during your military service and later in the reserve.

General conscription has brought broad-based expertise and professional training by the Defence Forces and the serious commitment of everyone to their tasks. These are an undisputed success factor both for domestic defence and for participation in international missions.

The Defence Forces are a respected institution in Finnish society. They have acquitted themselves to the approval and appreciation of the general public. I would like to thank all the personnel of the Defence Forces for your valuable work in the service of our country.

I would like to extend my heartiest congratulations to the Defence Forces!