​​Helsinki Veterans’ Day celebrations moved to 30 November

Veterans’ Day in Helsinki will this year be marked on Tuesday, 30 November, the anniversary of the start of the Winter War. Veterans and their families have been invited to a lunch reception at the city’s Finlandia Hall. Every effort has been made to ensure that the event is Covid-19 secure.

National Veterans’ Day is traditionally celebrated on 27 April, the date marking the end of the Lapland War. However, commemorative events scheduled for spring 2020 and 2021 had to be cancelled due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The re-scheduled event on 30 November is expected to be attended by around 90 veterans and their guests.

“The Veterans’ Day celebrations are an opportunity for us to show our appreciation and respect for those who secured our nation’s independence. We owe these veterans our most heartfelt thanks,” Juhana Vartiainen, Mayor of Helsinki, said.

Every year, National Veterans’ Day is marked in cities and local authorities across Finland. In Helsinki, the programme for the spring-time event has traditionally featured a memorial service at the statue of Marshal Mannerheim and wreath-laying ceremonies at the Heroes’ Cross and at Marshal Mannerheim’s grave at Hietaniemi Cemetery, followed by a reception for war veterans and their families.

Additional measures have been introduced to ensure that this year’s reception is Covid-19 secure. Attendees must be symptom free on arrival, and everyone is encouraged to practice good hand hygiene and wear face covering at all times except when eating and drinking. The spacious venue offers excellent opportunities for social distancing.