Pelastusretket

Pelastusretket, also known as the "Rescue March," was a significant event in Finnish history that took place in 1918. It was a march of Finnish soldiers, led by General Carl Gustaf Emil Mannerheim, from the Finnish capital Helsinki to the city of Vaasa. The march was a response to the Finnish Civil War, which had erupted in January 1918, following the collapse of the Russian Empire and the subsequent Finnish Declaration of Independence.

The march began on February 27, 1918, and lasted for approximately two weeks. The soldiers, who were loyal to the Finnish government and the White movement, were facing a potential siege by the Red Guard, a group of revolutionary soldiers who were aligned with the Bolsheviks. The march was a strategic move to relieve the pressure on Helsinki and to secure the city's defenses.

The march was a remarkable feat of military organization and endurance. The soldiers marched in harsh winter conditions, facing extreme cold, snow, and hunger. Despite these challenges, the march was successful in relieving the siege on Helsinki and in securing the city's defenses. The march also helped to boost morale among the Finnish soldiers and to demonstrate their commitment to the cause of independence.

The Pelastusretket is considered one of the most significant events in Finnish history, as it played a crucial role in the outcome of the Finnish Civil War. It is also a symbol of Finnish resilience and determination, and it is commemorated annually on February 27.