The page also includes information about the Veteran Week program.
National Veterans’ Day – National Main Ceremony
National Veterans’ Day is observed in Finland on 27 April to honour war veterans. It is also an official flag day. The day commemorates Finnish war veterans and marks both the end of the war and the beginning of peace. It is the anniversary of the end of the Lapland War.
In 2026, Mikkeli has the honour of hosting the national main ceremony of National Veterans’ Day, marking 81 years since the end of the war.
The theme of the year is “Facing the future together”
For Finland and Finns, National Veterans’ Day marks the end of the Second World War, the beginning of peace, and a day of remembrance for the experiences of war veterans and the wartime generations.
The veteran and wartime generations carried responsibility and did what had to be done in the harsh conditions of war. Their values were many, but love for the homeland, a strong sense of duty, perseverance, shared responsibility, trust and belief in the future bound them together. These were not only virtues of wartime – they were the foundation for peace, reconstruction and the welfare society they built after the war.
National Veterans’ Day 27 April 2026 invites us to reflect on these values – not only to remember the past, but also to consider their meaning today. How do we take responsibility for one another? How do we strengthen community, participation and democracy at a time when our sense of security and trust in the future is being challenged?
The legacy of the veteran generation lives on in how we treat one another, how we respond to crises and how we build the future together. Looking forward does not mean forgetting history – on the contrary. It means understanding that from past experience comes the strength, capacity and insight needed to build the future, and the confidence that our wings will carry us.
In 2026, National Veterans’ Day is celebrated in Mikkeli, the wartime headquarters city, where decisions, leadership and responsibility converged. It was here that decisions about the nation’s future were made – with eyes fixed on the road ahead, even in times of greatest uncertainty.
In the headquarters city of Mikkeli, history and the present meet. The Headquarters Museum, Muisti the Centre of War and Peace, and the Infantry Museum open the experiences of the wartime generations to visitors. The Finnish Army Headquarters and NATO’s Multi-Corps Land Component Command continue the city’s central role in national defence leadership. In the same place where wartime decisions shaped the fate of the whole country, we now look forward together – as a chain of generations rooted in shared values.
Facing the future together is an invitation to remember, to understand, and to build – together.
Veterans’ Week 20–27 April 2026
Each day has a specific theme guiding the programme. The program will be implemented in Finnish.
During Veterans’ Week, admission to the exhibition at the Muisti Centre of War is €10 per person from 20–27 April. Peacekeeping veterans are admitted free of charge throughout the week (does not apply to groups).
Move together with fellow residents – Commander-in-Chief’s Fitness Programme
Train the first week of the Commander-in-Chief’s Fitness Programme together with other residents! The programme was originally created to prepare conscripts for the physical demands of military service, but it is suitable for anyone wishing to improve their fitness.
During Veterans’ Week, the workouts from the first week of the programme will be delivered by trainees from Mikkeli Sports Services. All sessions are adapted to different fitness levels.
In Mikkeli, you can explore the joint exercise sessions organised during Veterans’ Week via this link (link in Finnish).
Do Something Good for Others – Campaign
Join the Veterans’ Week Do Something Good for Others campaign! Read more about the campaign via this link (link in Finnish).
Tammenlehti (Oak Leaf) Heritage Badge
During the week, the Tammenlehvä Heritage Federation will distribute the felt oak leaf badge. This year, the badge will be worn by Mikkeli’s Year 8 pupils, whose curriculum includes the Second World War. Next year, the hope is that the badge will be worn across the whole of Finland.
In Finland, the oak leaf became the shared symbol of war veterans in the 1980s. In ancient mythology, the oak symbolises courage, bravery and unwavering strength. The oak leaf is also a central element of military symbolism, seen for example in decorations. It is important that the values of the veteran generation – values that carried us even through the most difficult times – continue to help shape our future.
#ShowYourValues #Together #LookingAhead
http://www.sotiemmeperinne.fi
Learn more by watching a short video via this link (video in Finnish).
Green oak leaf badges will also be distributed at various Veterans’ Week events.
Free admission to all events. All events are held in Finnish.
Daily Themes and Programme
Each day of Veterans’ Week has a designated theme guiding the programme. All events are conducted in Finnish.
Monday 20 April – Inclusion and Community
20 April is Evacuees’ Flag Day, on which the Ministry of the Interior recommends flying the flag nationwide in remembrance of those evacuated during Finland’s wars.
Veterans’ Week Opening Ceremony
Muisti Centre of War and Peace, Headquarters Hall
20 April 2026 at 10.00
Programme:
- “If only I knew where you are!” – Winter War letters, Minttu Tamski and Aapo Oranen
- Opening remarks – Ilkka Juva, Chair of the Board, Muisti Centre of War and Peace
- Welcome – Janne Kinnunen, Mayor of Mikkeli
- Under Our Blue and White Flag (music Tuomo Tiitinen, lyrics Päivi Jalo) – Päämajakoulu Class 4M, conductor Sirkku Pirhonen
- Speech – Heini Utunen, Regional Mayor of South Savo, First Deputy Chair of the Board, Tammenlehvä Heritage Federation
- Johann Pachelbel: Canon in D major – Päämajakoulu Class 4M, conductor Sirkku Pirhonen
- “Now it is once again a time of peace” – Winter War letters, Minttu Tamski and Aapo Oranen
Duration approximately one hour. Free admission.
Exhibition Opening: Tehtaat sodassa (Factories at War) – 12.30
Headquarters Hall, Muisti
Produced by the Central Archives for Finnish Business, the exhibition explores how industry adapted to emergency conditions, how production was redirected to meet front-line needs, and the challenges faced by workers amid long hours, rationing and air-raid alerts. The materials come from Elka’s private archives.
The exhibition will be on display at Muisti until 3 October 2026.
Peace Education Workshop
Monday 20 April 2026, 12.30–13.45
Main Library, Porrassalmi Meeting Room
A workshop for young people and those working with youth, envisioning what sustainable peace in the future might look, feel or even smell like, and imagining a city that uses dialogue in various contexts.
Organised by Xamk’s youth research and development unit Juvenia through the Erasmus+ projects PeaceAct and Peace 4Europe.
A youth group will participate, and a limited number of individual participants can join.
Further information: Antti Rantaniva, antti.rantaniva@xamk.fi
March Event – 18.30
Departure from Hallituskatu, between the Akseli shopping centre and the police station.
The opening day culminates in a march via Tuomiokirkko Park and Puistokatu to the Veterans’ Memorial Grove at the northern old cemetery. At 19.00, wreath-laying in the grove, followed by a performance by the Veterans’ Heritage Choir.
Participants and the public may light a candle in remembrance of the wartime generation. Everyone is welcome to join the march; you may bring your own candle.
Tuesday 21 April – Film and Performing Arts
Tuntematon sotilas Monologue – Free Admission
21 April at 13.00
Mikkeli Theatre, Savilahdenkatu 11
Based on Väinö Linna’s classic novel (The Unknown Soldier), this monologue premiered in Mikkeli in 2016. Directed and dramatised by Samuli Reunanen and performed by Janne Kyyhkynen.
- Unnumbered seating, no advance reservations
- Groups and visitors with reduced mobility are asked to contact the ticket office in advance
- Ticket office: +358 44 402 1539, liput@mikkelinteatteri.fi
- Tickets available during opening hours or one hour before the performance
Commander-in-Chief’s Fitness Programme – Tuesday Session
17.00, Urheilupuisto running track (walking and running)
Free of charge, no registration. Duration approx. 45 minutes. Wear weather-appropriate sports clothing, trainers and bring a water bottle.
Vaiettu rykmentti JR29 – Documentary and Discussion
18.00–20.00, Muisti
This documentary follows the Central Ostrobothnian Regiment JR29 during the Continuation War. Premiered in 2025, running time 90 minutes.
After the screening, a discussion with director and actor Pauli Poranen, producer and screenwriter Pekka Kivelä, and interviewee Antti Hietaniemi.
Free admission.
Wednesday 22 April – Stories and Literature
Commander-in-Chief’s Fitness Programme – Wednesday Session
15.00, Urheilupuisto Outdoor Gym (strength training)
Crisis Management Veterans Meet Year 9 Pupils
Centre of War and Peace Muisti
Finnish crisis management veterans share personal experiences from peacekeeping missions with pupils. The sessions are fully booked and held in two parts in the Muisti auditorium.
Thursday 23 April – Poetry
“My Homeland Is Finland” – Recitation Performance
12.00, OmaTori (Porrassalmenkatu 21). Free admission.
Veterans’ Week Poetry Panel
23 April from 13.00, Muisti
A poetry panel for upper secondary school students, examining themes of war and peace in Finnish poetry. Poems are interpreted by Minttu Tamski and Aapo Oranen, with discussion led by a panel including Heini Utunen, Tommi Ollikainen and Helena Waris. The event will be recorded and published later on Muisti’s YouTube channel.
In Words and Music
Mikkeli Officers’ Club, Tarkk’ampujankuja 1b
- 14.00 Doors open
- 15.00–16.00 Poetry and music performance
- 16.00–16.50 Guided tour of the Old Barracks area
Free admission. Coffee and cake available (€6).
Friday 24 April – Music
Community Singing Event – The Role of Music During Wartime
14.00–16.00, Café-Restaurant Rauha
Featuring the Tammenlehvän South Savo Veterans’ Heritage Choir and communal singing of wartime songs. Free admission.
Commander-in-Chief’s Fitness Programme – Friday Session
15.00, Urheilupuisto Running Track
Air-Raid Shelter Pop-Up Concert
15.30, Naisvuori Swimming Hall entrance lobby
Approx. 45 minutes. Free admission.
Saturday 25 April – Cultural Heritage and Family Day
Family Programme
10.00–17.00, Muisti: treasure hunts, activity trails and workshops.
Pikku Papun Orkesteri and Liisa Kallio, live drawing concert from 10.30 to 11.15 at Stella Shopping Centre. Free admission.
Pikku Papun Orkesteri Meet & Greet from 11.45 to 12.15 at the Muisti Auditorium. Free admission.
Free guided walking tours
Several guided tours will take place around the market square throughout the day, and they will be conducted in Finnish. No advance registration required. More information about the tours (in Finnish) is available at http://www.kansallinenveteraanipaiva.fi.
Author visit: Seija Paasonen
13.00–14.30, Muisti
Discussion on the book Taivasta vartioivat naiset – Säälotat 1940–1944 (SKS-Kirjat, 2026).
Free admission to museums
Free admission to Marshal Mannerheim’s Salon Carriage. The carriage is open from 10.00 to 16.00.
Free admission to the following museums: Muisti, Headquarters Museum, Mikkeli Art Museum, and the Infantry Museum.
Muisti, Headquarters Museum, and Mikkeli Art Museum are open from 10.00 to 17.00.
The Infantry Museum is open from 11.00 to 16.00.
Sunday 26 April – Towards the Day of Celebration
Commander-in-Chief’s Fitness Programme – Sunday Session
10.00, group run starting at the main library.
Looking Forward Together Seminar
12.00–15.00, Muisti (also livestreamed)
Registration link (Finnish): https://forms.office.com/e/ZvbHGszgW0
Market Square Event
12.00–16.00, Market Square
Programme includes equipment displays, music and traditional pea soup.
National Veterans’ Day – 27 April 2026
Programme:
- 09:00 Flag raising, wreath laying at the Headquarters Statue, possible Air Force flypast
- 10:00 Festive service at Mikkeli Parish Church
- 11:00 Lunch for invited guests
- 12:30 Guests gather in the Mikaeli’s Martti Talvela Hall (doors close 12:40)
- 13:00–14:15 National Main Ceremony in Martti Talvela Hall
The national celebration will be broadcast live on Yle TV1 and Yle Areena.
Veterans’ Day Ecumenical Service
The ecumenical festive service takes place at 10:00 in Mikkeli Parish Church. Sermon and liturgy by Bishop Mari Parkkinen. Assisting clergy: Dean Arja Huuskonen and Father Bogdan Grosu of the Orthodox Church. Cantor: bass-baritone Henri Jussila; organist: Toni Heino. Music performed by the St. Michel Strings. The festive church service will be held in Finnish.
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The City of Mikkeli will host the 2026 National Veterans’ Day main celebration, in cooperation with numerous partners including the Finnish Defence Forces, heritage organisations, churches, cultural institutions and The Finnish Broadcasting Company Yleisradio.
News about the National Veterans’ Day
