The Finnish Air Force is considering changing the symbolism of its units by removing the swastika from its flags. Colonel Tomi Bjom of the Karelia Air Wing noted that sometimes there are inconveniences with foreign guests due to the use of this symbol. He also mentioned that the Air Force headquarters has already stopped using the swastika, but exact timelines for changes have not yet been determined.
'We could use this flag, but sometimes there are inconveniences with foreign guests. It might be wise to adapt to modern realities,' said Bjom.
The swastika has been used by the Finnish Air Force since 1918, but later became a symbol of Nazi Germany. Discussions about removing the swastika from flags began after the publication of Professor Teivo Teivainen's book 'The History of the Swastika', which prompted the team to make changes in symbolism. Now the Air Force is considering the possibility of changing the symbolism to adapt to modern realities and avoid misunderstandings with foreign partners.
Summary
The Finnish Air Force is considering changing the symbolism by removing the swastika from flags due to inconveniences with foreign guests and adapting to modern realities after discussions on this issue intensified. The attempt to change the symbolism is an effort to conform the military forces to new demands and avoid negative associations with the past.