SPEECH BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC
ON DEFENCE FORCES' FLAG DAY AT THE NATIONAL PARADE
in Helsinki, June 4, 1997

Members of the Defence Forces:

The Defence Forces are celebrating the eightieth anniversary of Finnish independence with a parade at this traditional location. On Defence Forces' Flag Day we remember those veterans of recent wars, all the men and women in the ranks of the Defence Forces who helped to save Finnish independence something over fifty years ago.

History has taught us a harsh lesson: that independence cannot be built on a firm basis unless we are ready to defend it militarily. Readiness to safeguard the nation's freedom and independence by force of arms if necessary is one hallmark of an independent state. Capable defence forces that the nation can rely on create stability, security and faith in the future. In the Winter War and in summer 1944, the Defence Forces withstood a massive attack from a superior opponent through enormous effort and sacrifice. The fact that our soldiers repelled this attack made it possible for our political leaders to negotiate Finland's withdrawal from the war. Finland was never, at any point, under occupation. The Finns did not forfeit their social system, their way of life or their self-respect. The Defence Forces, as a tool of security policy, will continue to give the national leadership freedom of movement and the chance to make independent choices.

The main basic factor in our security policy is a credible independent national defence. A defence capability that supports our current line of military nonalignment will form a credible threshold against the exercise of military force or the threat of such force.

During the Cold War, our security system relied on a dangerous military confrontation that also guided Finnish defence planning and development of the Defence Forces. Now, however, the threat of large-scale war has faded, though there is a new uncertainty, created by social change, local and regional crises and new security problems. The changing character of crises affects the structure of the armed forces and plans for their deployment. New security considerations underline the need to increase the flexibility of our defence system, too, and our capacity for responding to changing situations. Some of our defence capability has to be developed in line with the general trend of investing in quality rather than quantity.

The recent Government report recently approved by Parliament lays down clear guidelines for the long-term development of our Defence Forces. Future changes, including the disbanding of certain garrisons, are not a question of being forced to make cost cuts, but rather a response to the new security situation.

Defence is not the sole right of the Defence Forces; in the future, it will also demand a contribution from the whole nation. The Finns' will to defend themselves has always been very strong, and more than meets the challenge of an independent and credible defence. Opinion polls have shown that the nation's readiness to defend their territory is one of the highest in the world. In Finland more of the conscript age-group do their national service than in almost any other European country. I have noted with satisfaction that the Defence Forces are still considered one of the most trusted institutions in Finland. Finns have taken the Defence Forces to heart. These are important values that we would do well to cherish. It is always the Finns themselves that carry the main responsibility for Finland's defence. No-one can do this for us.

I am convinced that the Defence Forces will be able to respond to the challenges ahead. They have a functional basic system, the firm support of the nation, and motivated and skilled personnel.

Members of the Defence Forces:

Let us raise three cheers to the fatherland.