National parade disrupts traffic in Helsinki today

print this

Today is an official flag day in Finland. Since 1942, June 4th has been celebrated as the Defence Forces Flag Day. It is also the birthday of Marshal C.G.E. Mannerheim (1867-1951), Finland's wartime commander and subsequently the country's sixth President, from 1944-1946.
      As Finland is celebrating the 90th anniversary of its independence, the national military parade by members of the Finnish Defence Forces is this year being held in Helsinki.
      The day got under way with the hoisting of the Finnish flag by the Naval Forces at Helsinki’s South Harbour, and the national military parade is scheduled to begin at Helsinki’s Senate Square at 1.00 p.m. with a march-past in front of the Helsinki Cathedral in Hallituskatu one hour later.
      The parade and march-past will be addressed by President Tarja Halonen accompanied by Admiral Juhani Kaskeala, the Commander of the Finnish Defence Forces.
     
As many as 20,000 people are expected to follow the national parade, involving around 1,800 soldiers and some 30 military vehicles.
      Helsinki City Transport (HKL) is advising motorists to avoid driving in the city centre during the parade, and to use public transport in order to see the events.
      HKL has reported the following changes to the timetables: Tram lines 1, 1A, 3B, 3T, 4, 4T, 7A, 7B, as well as bus line 16 will use exceptional routes between 11 a.m. and 3.30 p.m. today.
     
The Commander of the Finnish Defence Forces has granted military medals to 186 persons today - on the Defence Forces Flag Day. The highest military decoration of the day - the Grand Cross of the Order of the Cross of Liberty - has been awarded to Admiral Jan Klenberg, the former Commander of the Finnish Defence Forces, by President of Finland Tarja Halonen.


Previously in HS International Edition:
  President Halonen opens 90th anniversary year of independence (5.1.2007)

Helsingin Sanomat