Finland Times

 

The president, Sauli Niinistöä and first lady Jenni Haukio greeted Tuomas Gerdt, the last surviving knight of the Mannerheim Cross. Photo Lehtikuva.

The 98th Independence Day was observed across the country on Sunday with festivity and joy and almost peacefully as there were a few sporadic demonstrations.

 

The main celebration took place at the presidential palace in the traditional way where President Sauli Niinistö and First Lady Jenni Haukio accorded reception to hundreds of guests including senior citizens, professionals, cultural activists, diplomats and people from different strata.  

 

A total of 1,800 guests were invited to the celebrations which also commemorated Finnish cultural markers for many years.

 

The reception programme and the list of invited guests took into account, among other things, the 180-year anniversary of Kalevala as well as the 150th birth anniversary of the famous Finnish composer Jean Sibelius.

 

President Sauli Niinistö and first lady Jenni Haukio were dancing in the Indepence Day reception party. Photo Lehtikuva.

The president and the first lady first greeted Tuomas Gerdt, the last surviving knight of the Mannerheim Cross.

 

The day’s programme began at 9.00am with hoisting of the national flag on Tähtitorninmäki in Helsinki. 

 

Independence Day is also called the flag day in Finland and the national flag must be hoisted at all the public buildings from early in the morning to 8.00 pm according to the law.

 

The military parade was held in Jyväskylä this year where the military showcased, among other defence equipment, Leopard 2A6 battle tanks, Hornet fighter jets and NH90 transport helicopters.

 

A total of 650 conscripts and military personnel as well as around 50 military vehicles took part in the parade.

 

Independence Day parade in Jyväskylässä. Photo Lehtikuva.

Brigadier General Petri Tolla of the Finnish Air Force chief of staff was charged with the responsibility of commanding the parade.

 

The parade was received by Air Force Commander Major General Kim Jäämeri.

 

Different groups held demonstrations during the celebration in Helsinki and the police arrested dozens of demonstrators in the evening.

 

The celebration programmes also included a choir performance and an address from the speaker of parliament.