Finland awards 889 honours on Flag Day of the Defence Forces

Finland’s president has awarded 889 state honours to individuals for contributions to national defence, security, and military service, public broadcaster Yle reported Monday.

The decorations, granted on the recommendation of the Defence Forces, include 879 from the Order of the White Rose of Finland and the Order of the Lion of Finland, along with ten from the Order of the Cross of Liberty. The highest distinctions conferred this year are the Commander First Class of the White Rose, the Commander First Class of the Lion, and the First Class Cross of Liberty with Swords.

Lieutenant General Pasi Välimäki received the Commander First Class of the White Rose, Major General Jari Tolppanen the Commander First Class of the Lion, and Major General Matti Sarasmaa the First Class Cross of Liberty with Swords.

A full list of recipients is available via the government’s Suomi.fi service. The Flag Day of the Defence Forces, marked annually on 4 June, will also see the announcement of military promotions for active personnel and reservists.