Finland Times

 

Photo Lehtikuva.

The nation will celebrate the Independence Day on Saturday with festivity and joy in befitting manners and show due respect to the war veterans.

 

The country achieved the liberation in 1917 from Imperial Russia. Today is a public holiday. 

 

Most of the business centres including super markets and chain shops will remain closed while the public transport will maintain the holiday schedule. 

 

The small shops not bigger than 400 square metres and stalls in round the clock refuelling stations, however, will remain open.

 

President Sauli Niinistö and first lady Jenni Haukio will host the Independence Day Reception at the newly renovated President’s Palace. The programme was shifted to Tampere last year due to renovation works in the president’s place.

 

Photo Lehtikuva

This year, the list of invitees includes a high number of Finns dedicated to volunteer work. By recognising these people, the President and his spouse wish to pay tribute to the important contribution made by the volunteers to Finland’s success story. 

 

As in 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 7 pm.

 

Members of the government, lawmakers, senior civil servants and the diplomatic corps and people from different strata of the country will participate in the programme.

 

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.

 

Photo Lehtikuva.

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 the Chief Conductor of the Finnish Defence Forces, Lieutenant Colonel Elias Seppälä, and the 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 to be served have been ordered from all over Finland, with fish such as roach, pike, smelt and perch from Finnish lakes.