The Finnish flag was lifted at Tähtitorninmäki in the national Independence Day flag-raising ceremony in Helsinki on December 6, 2021. Dozens observed. Photograph: Tony Öhberg/Finland Today
Finland celebrates its 104th Independence Day today. While many official celebrations are canceled because of the coronavirus pandemic, the national flag was lifted at Tähtitorninmäki in the morning in Helsinki—in freezing weather, under a cloudy sky and big snowflakes that stopped falling just before the ceremony began.
“Today, thousands of Finnish flags remind us about the value of independence and for the work our war veterans have done for our country,” said Anu Vehviläinen (the Centre), the speaker of Parliament, in her speech. “Today, each of us should take off the hat and say these words: ‘Thank you our war veterans, lotat (voluntary women in the paramilitary service), women and men of our home front.’”
In the morning, President Sauli Niinistö and his spouse, Jenni Haukio, attended the wreath-laying ceremony in the Hietaniemi cemetery in Helsinki. Photograph: Matti Porre/The Office of the President of the Republic
After the ceremony, President Niinistö and Mrs. Haukio lit a candle in the Helsinki Cathedral. Photograph: Jon Norppa/The Office of the President of the Republic
