The European NATO Air Force that Still Flies Swastikas

Bild

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Finnish Air Force continues to carry swastika on flags, despite resolution to distance. Tradition and international irritations.

Welt

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One hardly trusts his eyes: swastikas are clearly visible on flags of the Finnish Air Force. Helsinki insists that the symbol in this context has nothing to do with the Nazis. However, the argumentation is no longer available in Finland either.

Telegrafi

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The Finnish Air Force, now part of NATO, still flies swastikas on a small number of unit flags — but is preparing to phase them out, largely to avoid embarrassment with its Western allies, the Associated Press reports. The history of the Finnish air force’s use of the swastika, which since the 20th century has been largely associated with Nazi tyranny and hate groups, is more complex than it first appears. It is an ancient symbol, and the Finnis…

fakt.pl

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The Finnish Air Force is removing the swastika from its military flags. The symbol, which for many years caused surprise, astonishment, and... consternation among NATO allies, will finally disappear from the official symbolism of some units. Although the Finnish military has explained for decades that the symbol has nothing to do with Nazi ideology, international realities have forced changes.

ohtuleht.ee

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The swastika, which the Finnish Air Force has used on its flags since 1918, will now be replaced with a golden eagle on a blue circle. Air Force representatives say the new emblem better reflects the organization's modern identity and will help avoid embarrassing situations in front of allies and foreign visitors.