Today marks the 86th anniversary of the end of the Winter War, which began when the Soviet Union invaded Finland on November 30, 1939, without a formal declaration of war. To honor the memory of the fallen soldiers from this conflict, the Finnish Air Force is conducting flyovers in two cities, Tampere and Kajaani, as part of the commemoration events. These aerial displays are part of a tradition to recognize the sacrifices made during this pivotal conflict in Finnish history.

In Tampere, a wreath-laying ceremony will take place at the Kalevankangas cemetery, coinciding with the flyover scheduled for 11 AM. Following the aerial tribute, a Hornet fighter jet will fly over the Messukylä Church, providing a poignant reminder of the wartime history. Similarly, a wreath-laying ceremony is set to occur in Kajaani at the churchyard at 6 PM, where another flyover will follow, continuing the respectful acknowledgment of the sacrifices made during the Winter War.

The Winter War, which lasted for 105 days, resulted in significant destruction as Soviet forces bombed various Finnish cities, including Helsinki, Viipuri, Turku, and Lahti. The war officially ended with the Moscow Peace Treaty on March 13, 1940, marking a crucial moment in Finland's fight for independence and national identity, as over 25,000 Finnish soldiers lost their lives during the conflict. This annual commemoration serves not only to remember these sacrifices but also to strengthen the national narrative around resilience and courage in the face of aggression.