Indepencence Day Celebrations on 6 December 2023
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President Sauli Niinistö laid a wreath at the Heroes' Cross at Hietaniemi Cemetery on the morning of Independence Day on 6 December 2023. Photo: Juhani Kandell /Office of the President of the Republic of Finland
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President Sauli Niinistö laid a wreath at the Heroes' Cross at Hietaniemi Cemetery on 6 December 2023. Photo: Juhani Kandell /Office of the President of the Republic of Finland
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President Sauli Niinistö and his spouse Jenni Haukio were welcomed to the ecumenical service at Helsinki Cathedral by Bishop Jukka Keskitalo of the Diocese of Oulu. Photo: Roni Rekomaa/Office of the President of the Republic of Finland
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President Sauli Niinistö and his spouse Jenni Haukio attendend the ecumenical service in Helsinki Cathedral. Photo: Roni Rekomaa/Office of the President of the Republic of Finland
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The traditional Independence Day torchlight procession of university students brought light to the Esplanade. Photo: Roni Rekomaa/Office of the President of the Republic of Finland
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The presidential couple greeted the torchlight procession from the balcony of the Presidential Palace. Matti Porre/Office of the President of the Republic of Finland
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The traditional Independence Day torchlight procession of university students brought light to the Esplanade. Photo: Matti Porre/Office of the President of the Republic of Finland
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At this year’s reception, the first guest to greet the President and his spouse was archiatre Risto Pelkonen. Matti Porre/Office of the President of the Republic of Finland
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President Niinistö shaking hands with University of Jyväskylä doctoral researcher Henna Kokko. Photo: Roni Rekomaa/Office of the President of the Republic of Finland
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The president welcomes long-distance runner Lasse Virén with his spouse Päivi Virén. Photo: Roni Rekomaa/Office of the President of the Republic of Finland
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President Niinistö greets Jere Pöyhönen, better known as the rap artist Käärijä. Photo: Matti Porre/Office of the President of the Republic of Finland
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Photo: Roni Rekomaa/Office of the President of the Republic of Finland
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President Niinistö welcomes Alli Korva, member of the Lotta Svärd organisation, to the Independence Day reception. Photo: Matti Porre/Office of the President of the Republic of Finland
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The war veterans and members of the Lotta Svärd organisation entered the State Hall as the Jäger March was being played. Photo: Matti Porre/Office of the President of the Republic of Finland
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The war veterans and members of the Lotta Svärd organisation entered the State Hall as Jäger March was being played. Photo: Matti Porre/Office of the President of the Republic of Finland
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The war veterans and members of the Lotta Svärd organisation entered the State Hall as the Jäger March was being played. Photo: Matti Porre/Office of the President of the Republic of Finland
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Dr Pentti Arajärvi, President Tarja Halonen, President of the Republic of Finland Sauli Niinistö and Dr Jenni Haukio in the State Hall after the welcoming ceremony. Photo: Juhani Kandell /Office of the President of the Republic of Finland
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Jenni Haukio in discussion with war veteran Iisakki Saarnisto, 99, from Laihia in Ostrobothnia. Photo: Matti Porre/Office of the President of the Republic of Finland
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At the coffee reception, President Niinistö talked with war veteran Aarno Muotka (left), 100, and member of the Lotta Svärd foundation Eila Henttu (right), 95. Photo: Matti Porre/Office of the President of the Republic of Finland
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At the coffee reception, the YL Male Voice Choir performed the song To the Fatherland. Photo: Matti Porre/Office of the President of the Republic of Finland
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War veterans Niilo Vunneli, 100, and Tenho Ruottu, 98, singing Veteraanin iltahuuto, Song of the Finnish Veterans. Photo: Matti Porre/Office of the President of the Republic of Finland
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Member of the Lotta Svärd organisation, Alli Korva, 101, reciting a poem. Photo: Matti Porre/Office of the President of the Republic of Finland
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The first waltz was danced to the tune of Valse Lente by Oskar Merikanto. Photo: Matti Porre/Office of the President of the Republic of Finland
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The presidential couple dancing in the Hall of State. Photo: Roni Rekomaa/Office of the President of the Republic of Finland
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Sami Pitkämö and his orchestra played classics and evergreens in the Salon on the third floor. Photo: Roni Rekomaa/Office of the President of the Republic of Finland