Vardøhus has never been a strong military site, but its symbolic worth as the “flag post to the east” has been significant. Together with Akershus fortress, Vardøhus is the only Norwegian fortress with its own commandant, and the flag is hoisted every day. As the only unit in North Norway with salutation duties, the fortress fires the salute on 17 May and 7 June and on royal birthdays. Vardøhus is alone in welcoming back the sun with a salute when the polar night is over. When the sun’s rays can be seen from the fortress ramparts for the first time each year, two shots are fired. The pupils at schools in Vardø then get the rest of the day off.