Finland Times

 

National flags on the Independence Day. File Photo Lehtikuva.

President Sauli Niinistö and his spouse Jenni Haukio will host the Independence Day Reception on Saturday at the newly renovated President’s Palace, said an official press release.

 

The list of guests invited this year includes a number of Finns dedicated to volunteer work. The release said by recognising these people, the president and his spouse wish to pay tribute to the important contribution made by volunteers to Finland’s success story.  

 

As in the previous years, the list of invitees also includes many war veterans and members of the Lotta women’s auxiliary, who will be greeted by the presidential couple from 7pm.

 

In keeping with tradition, invitations have been sent to all members of the government, members of parliament and Finnish members of the European Parliament, as well as senior civil servants and diplomatic corps accredited to Finland, said the release.

 

President Sauli Niinistö and his spouse Jenni Haukio were dancing in an Independence Day reception programme in 2011. File Photo Lehtikuva.

Other guests will include Finns from various sectors of society who have distinguished themselves in one way or another, and people whom the president and his spouse have met during the past year. 

 

This year, the sporting focus will be on successful javelin throwers from various eras. This is in recognition of the countless moments of excitement, joy and triumph that javelin-throwers have brought to Finns over the decades. 

 

A total of around 1,800 guests have been invited.

 

Background music during the hand-shaking ceremony and dance music later on in the State Hall will be provided by the Guards’ Band under the direction of Finnish Defence Forces Chief Conductor Lieutenant Colonel Elias Seppälä and Head of the Guards’ Band Major Jyrki Koskinen. The Guards’ Band Combo will play light dance music during the evening led by Captain Lassi Ikäheimo and with Eeppi Ursin as vocal soloist.

 

The band Tuomas Logrén and Savuava Kirnu will perform in the third-floor salon.

 

The traditional buffet will include light savoury and sweet refreshments, such as quiche, pastries and cakes. The products served have been ordered from all over Finland, with fish caught in Finnish lakes – such as roach, pike, smelt and perch – serving as ingredients, said the release.