Nation celebrates 108th Independence Day today

The nation will celebrate the 108th Independence Day of Finland on Saturday with festivity and joy and showing due respect to the war veterans.

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

All the government, semi-government and private offices, excepting the emergency services will remain closed.

President Alexander Stubb and First Lady Suzanne Innes-Stubb will host the Independence Day Reception at the President’s Palace at the evening.

Some 1,700 people from all over the Finland are expected to attend the Independence Day reception party.

The National Parade on the 108th Independence Day of Finland will be held in Kouvola this year with the theme “We defend Finland together”.

The Independence Day festivities will start by a flag-hoisting ceremony at Kouvola City Hall.

The wreath-laying ceremony will be at Lääninpuisto, and the Lutheran Service at Keskuskirkko Lutheran Church.

From morning to afternoon, the Finnish Defence Forces’ and other agencies’ equipment and activity will be available for familiarisation at Sumulaakso.

The review of troops will start at the Finnish baseball stadium at 12:00 noon. It is advisable to be on site well on time for the event, as the Utti Jaeger Regiment’s NH90 transport helicopter will fly over the stadium at 11:15, and the parade troops will start aligning to position at the review filed from 11:30 onwards.

Meanwhile, police said that several demonstrations will be held in Helsinki on the Independence Day.

Independence Day events will cause changes in traffic arrangements, public transport routes and pedestrian traffic in Helsinki.

Security arrangements during Independence Day are the Helsinki Police Department’s largest annual operation, involving cooperation with several different police units and authorities.

During Independence Day, Helsinki will host various events from morning until late night.

The police will ensure the smooth flow of these events and maintain public order throughout the day.