As World War II progressed towards its conclusion in Europe, the Finnish military endeavored to expel German forces from its territory, resulting in the Lapland War. This conflict ensued after Finland, initially aligned with Germany against the Soviet Union, sought to distance itself from its former ally following their defeat. The final withdrawal of German troops on this day marked a significant turning point as Finnish forces executed concerted operations to dislodge the remaining German formations from the northern realm of Finland, ultimately leading to a cessation of hostilities in the region.

In what became a key military action, troops loyal to Finland engaged in a series of operations against their former allies, which escalated tensions and led to armed confrontations in the Lapland region. The withdrawal was characterized by tactical maneuvers, with Finnish forces successfully reclaiming their territory from a retreating enemy. This marked the culmination of a series of skirmishes and was symbolically represented by the raising of the Finnish flag at the Three-Country Cairn, where the borders of Finland, Norway, and Sweden meet.

The photograph 'Raising the Flag on the Three-Country Cairn' was taken, capturing a moment of triumph for the Finnish soldiers and the finality of the Lapland War. This image not only documented a military event but also served as a representation of Finnish sovereignty and pride at the conclusion of hostilities, signaling the restoration of peace in Finland. The event symbolizes the complex interplay of alliances, military engagements, and the journey towards national integrity in the face of adversity during World War II.