Finland Phases Out Swastikas from Air Force Flags Amid NATO Integration
Finland has decided to remove the swastika from its air force flags, following comments from the new air force commander that acknowledged the symbol’s potential to create “awkward situations” with NATO allies. Colonel Tomi Böhm, who leads the Karelian Air Wing, stated that while the flag could have continued to be used, it was essential to consider the sensitivities of foreign guests during joint operations.
The swastika has been part of the Finnish air force insignia since 1918, a period marked by the Finnish Civil War. Initially adopted by the Finnish military, the symbol was meant to represent the anti-communist Whites against the Soviet-backed Red Guards. However, its association with Nazi Germany and the regime of Adolf Hitler complicated its legacy. The swastika’s adoption by the Nazis is believed to have originated from Eric Von Rosen, a Swedish aristocrat who gifted Finland its first military aircraft, which featured a blue hooked cross on a white background.
Historian Teivo Teivainen from Helsinki University, author of “History of the Swastika,” explained that although Finland allied with Nazi Germany during World War II to combat the Soviet Union, the country has maintained that its use of the swastika was never intended to align with the Third Reich. This viewpoint, however, has faced scrutiny in light of Finland’s recent accession to NATO in 2023, which necessitated a reevaluation of symbols that could be deemed offensive or inappropriate.
Changing Perspectives on Historical Symbols
Colonel Böhm highlighted that the swastika had already been removed from air force command insignia in 2020, indicating an ongoing process of reassessment. He emphasized, “The world has changed, and we live with the times. There has been no political pressure for this.” This statement reflects a growing awareness of historical sensitivities, especially as Finland seeks to integrate more closely with NATO forces, including those from Germany, the Netherlands, and France—nations where the swastika is widely regarded as a negative symbol.
The need for alignment with NATO standards was underscored in 2021, when German Air Force units declined to participate in a ceremony at a military base in Finland’s Lapland region upon discovering that swastikas would be displayed. Such incidents illustrate the broader implications of historical symbols in contemporary military partnerships.
Legal and Social Considerations
In numerous countries, including Australia, Germany, and Poland, displaying the swastika is illegal, reflecting a global consensus on its association with hate and intolerance. As Finland embraces its new role within NATO, the decision to remove the swastika from air force flags signals a commitment to fostering positive relationships with its allies and a respect for historical sensitivities.
This change may also serve to reinforce Finland’s national identity as it navigates its evolving role in international politics. The air force’s shift away from the swastika is part of a broader movement to confront and reckon with the past while looking toward a cooperative future with European partners.
