Three hundred recruits take military oath in Lappeenranta

About 300 recruits at the Finnish Army Academy took a military oath or made a military affirmation in central Lappeenranta on Saturday, Yle reported. The ceremony was held in the city centre after a break of several years.

The young soldiers marched onto Lappeenranta’s Kansalaistori square and pledged to serve their country and carry out their duties “as long as I have strength”.

“It is a great feeling to swear that I will defend Finland,” recruit Miko Kilpiä said.

Kilpiä began his military service in July. He said the mornings had been difficult, but that his service had otherwise gone well and that his group had been good.

For many recruits, the oath was more than a ceremonial speech. After about a month of learning basic military skills, the pledge marked the end of the recruit period and tied them to the military community.

The recruits will now separate from their familiar groups and begin training for specific duties. They will receive service ranks used in the Army, including jaeger, signalman, engineer and artilleryman.

Aleksi Tiimo, who began his service in the winter intake, said taking the oath in February had been important to him. His father’s strong interest in the military had also influenced how he viewed the ceremony.

“It means something, at least,” Tiimo said.

Tiimo serves in transport and said his expectations had been exceeded. “I have been able to do much more than I originally thought,” he said.

The ceremony was also important to the recruits’ families. About 1,000 relatives were expected in Lappeenranta.

Nicola Kettunen said she had had to adjust to a new daily life with her son’s room empty. She was moved as he took the oath.

“In the current world situation, war is a reality,” Kettunen said.

Families and friends play an important supporting role as military service brings a major change to a young person’s life. Asmo Tapaninen said relatives could offer recruits good food and long sleep during leave.

“The oath ceremonies make you feel proud that we have a Finland where it is safe to live,” Sanna Tapaninen said.

Military oath ceremonies were held in different parts of Finland on Saturday.