President Stubb honours 48 fathers with state decorations on Father’s Day

For the first time, the President of the Republic of Finland, Alexander Stubb, has awarded state decorations to fathers distinguished in parenting and education. The awards were presented at a national Father’s Day celebration at the Presidential Palace in Helsinki on Sunday 9 November 2025.

At the event, 48 fathers received the Medal First Class with Gold Cross of the Order of the White Rose of Finland. This decoration is awarded to fathers who have not only shown exemplary commitment in their own family life and parenthood, but have also contributed to child welfare and family organisations, youth and sports associations or other civic organisations. Municipalities, parishes, associations, other communities, as well as the fathers’ own children were able to nominate candidates for the award through the Regional State Administrative Agencies.

The ceremony featured addresses by President Stubb, Minister of Social Security Sanni Grahn-Laasonen and Tiina Ristikari, Managing Director of the Family Federation of Finland.

“For me, nothing is greater than being a father. Watching your child grow into an adult is an immense source of joy. Seeing them find their own path in life, with all its ups and downs. Being there to support them in difficult times and celebrate with them when things go well,” President Stubb said.

Many of the decorated fathers have both biological children and foster or support children. Those awarded included single parents, an adoptive father, several foster parents, and individuals who have contributed to the integration of immigrants, for example through support family activities. The oldest father to receive a decoration is 91 years old and the youngest is 46.

“As fathers, we are all different. There is no single right way to be a father,” the President emphasised.

At the end of the ceremony, the presidential couple joined the decorated fathers for a coffee reception. The event was organised by the Family Federation of Finland in cooperation with the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health.

Since 1946, the President of the Republic has presented Finnish mothers with decorations. The new decoration for fathers is replacing the long-standing tradition of appointing a ‘Father of the Year’.