Monument inaugurated for peacekeepers who died in line of duty
Ceremony marks 50th anniversary of Finnish involvement in UN peacekeeping
|
|
|
A group of about 10 people gathered at Hietaniemi Cemetery in Helsinki on Monday for the unveiling of a monument for Finnish soldiers who have died during peacekeeping operations.
The monument, by sculptor Matti Peltokangas, was commissioned to mark the 50th anniversary year of Finnish involvement in UN peacekeeping operations.
The first Finnish UN soldiers were sent to the Suez operation in 1956.
One of the people at the ceremony was Åke Nykänen, who served in the forces at the time.
"All of my friends come to mind here", Nykänen commented.
He still fondly recalls his time in the Middle East.
"We got much more than we gave. We got friends, and friendship lasts forever."
Since the first Finnish deployment in the Suez in 1956, Finns have been involved in a total of 29 international operations involving about 32,000 soldiers in all.
During the 50 years, a total of 45 Finnish peacekeepers have died - 14 while on duty, and 31 in traffic accidents or in hospitals.
"Knowledge of the risks has never stopped Finnish peacekeepers", said Minister of Defence Seppo Kääriäinen.
Helsingin Sanomat
|
| 30.5.2006 - TODAY |
 Monument inaugurated for peacekeepers who died in line of duty
|
|
