Finnish flags were raised across the country on Sunday, Remembrance Day.

Remembrance Day honours those who died defending Finland's territory and the Finnish people and those who lost their lives in peacekeeping missions.

The day, which falls on the third Sunday of May every year, also honours individuals who were executed and those who perished in prison camps.

On Remembrance Day, people traditionally honor fallen heroes by visiting their graves and laying wreaths throughout the country.

Fighter jet flyovers

The Air Force is set to carry out flyovers in Tampere and Kuopio with F/A-18 Hornet fighter jets.

The flyovers will both be conducted at noon.

In Kuopio, it will take place during a wreath-laying ceremony held at the Sankaripuisto Cemetery. In Tampere, the flyover will be conducted during a ceremony at the Kaleva Cemetery.

Flag day rules

Until 1994, flags were flown at half-mast for part of the day as a sign of mourning. Nowadays, the flags fly high in the same manner as on other flag-flying days.

According to the interior ministry, there are rules about flag day practices, as they need to be raised and lowered at specific times of the day.

"The decree stipulates that it should be hoisted at eight in the morning and lowered at sunset. However, in summer the flag can be kept flying until 9pm," the ministry's flag day page explained.

"At Midsummer, the flag can be hoisted at 6pm on Midsummer Eve and should not be lowered until 9pm the following day.

"On Independence Day, and on an election day when voting ends after sunset, the Finnish flag should be lowered at 8pm," the ministry noted.