At attention:
The Finnish soldiers sombrely attending the field mass by
the Padre.
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It was a stylish
performance the men of the Finnish Battalion put on display, whilst
commemorating the Finnish Defence Forces Flag Day on June 4th.
With pomp and circumstance, the Finnish peacekeepers were honoured
by a number of distinguished guests, the most prominent being
the Commander of MNB Centre, Brigadier Tadier.
Saluting the flag: Look good - Do Good, as the Finnish flag
is paraded by.
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The 4th of June
is the Finnish Defence Forces Flag Day, where the Finnish Army
celebrates with numerous parades at home in Finland. Chosen as
Flag Day in 1942, this day also commemorates the birthday of Field
Marshal Carl Gustav Mannerheim, a Finnish General with a remarkable
military mind in the 20th Century.
Home and abroad,
Flag Day is also celebrated in Kosovo. As the Finnish KFOR soldiers
stood at attention, the Finnish Flag was paraded in front of them,
before the Commander of the Finnish battalion (FINBAT), Colonel
Sakari Honkamaa inspected his troops. After a sermon by the battalion
Padre, members of the battalion were called up and given promotions
and medals by the battalion Commander.
Brigadier Tadier,
Commander of MNB Centre, held a speech where he commended the
FINBAT for their efforts, and stressed the high regard they held
with the Brigade.
Also, the battalion
Commander, Col. Honkamaa, held a speech in which he said, "I am
very glad for the patience and tolerance of the great majority
of the local people who are trying to improve their living conditions
with peaceful and democratic means". Colonel Honkamaa commended
his men upon receiving the KFOR service medal and said, "You have
a good reason to carry it with a great pride. It is a symbol of
the selfless and valuable work you have done for the peace and
stability, and the security of the people of Kosovo".
On parade as
in work, the FINBAT men do not shame their motto; Look good
- Do Good.
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