This is a translation of the speech originally delivered in Finnish
Dear Eeva and Marko, honoured guests,
Blessed is a beautiful word.
Blessed are the peacemakers.
Blessed are we that President Martti Ahtisaari dedicated his life to peace.
For all of us. For our country. For the whole world.
***
The memorial unveiled today, on Martti’s name day, is magnificent.
Shaped like an olive leaf. A symbol of peace.
It’s hard to imagine a more fitting tribute to Martti’s life.
***
Martti’s roots were in Karelia.
His trunk was in Finland.
His branches reached far out in the world.
***
Although Martti didn’t care much for monuments or statues, I’m sure he would appreciate this one.
“Well, yes, it turned out very nice, but we accomplished it together,” he would say.
Maybe so, but it was President Ahtisaari who brought peace to three continents.
***
He strongly believed that peace is a matter of will and that all conflicts can be solved.
He saw opportunities where others saw problems.
He did everything selflessly and humbly. He cared. For all of us. He wanted to make the world a better place.
***
Ahtisaari was the 10th President of the Republic of Finland. During his term in office, Finland consolidated its place in the post-Cold War world.
Martti understood that Finland will not manage on its own. We need friends.
As President, he paved the way for Finland towards the Western community. Martti played a significant role in ensuring that Finland is now part of the community of values where we have always belonged.
***
For me, Martti was a role model who set an example for others. A mentor who helped find solutions. A friend from whom I learned something new every day.
He was empathetic, fair and determined. Even funny.
He treated everyone equally. He gave meaning to life.
***
I wish everyone in Finland could visit President Ahtisaari’s memorial.
Take a moment to reflect on what we can do together for a better world.
In these difficult times, the world needs Martti’s attitude and words of wisdom:
“What people have started, people can end.”
***
Thank you for everything Martti.
You will always be remembered.
We are blessed to carry on your legacy.
One peace at a time.
