The President’s Independence Day reception on 6 December 2011

Copyright © Office of the President of the Republic of Finland

President of the Republic Tarja Halonen and Dr Pentti Arajärvi hosted the traditional Independence Day Reception at the Presidential Palace on Tuesday, 6 December 2011.

As in previous years, invitations were sent to all members of the Government, Members of Parliament and Finnish Members of the European Parliament, as well as senior civil servants and diplomatic corps accredited to Finland. Other guests included Finns who have distinguished themselves in one way or another and people whom the President and Dr Arajärvi have met during the past year. Around 1,900 guests in all were invited.

The theme of the reception was “Finland for equality and cooperation – responsibility for Finland, responsibility for the world”. In accordance with the theme, guests at the reception included representatives of non-governmental organisations and minorities, as well as individuals who have worked towards the promotion of equality, tolerance and sustainable development.

The traditional buffet served to the guests included light refreshments, such as layer loaves and other savouries, as well as pastries and cakes. Drinks included fair trade organic coffee and tea, Palace Punch, wine, beer and soft drinks.

Some 170 flower arrangements graced the Palace, predominantly in blue-and-white. Some of the flowers had been grown at Kultaranta, the President’s summer residence. Finnish candles and natural materials were also used in the decorations.

Background music during the hand-shaking ceremony and dance music later on in the State Hall was provided by the Guards’ Band under the direction of Lieutenant Colonel Elias Seppälä, Chief Conductor of the Finnish Defence Forces; Major Raine Ampuja, Head of the Guards’ Band; and Captain Ville Paakkunainen. Dance music began with The Blue Danube, a waltz by Johann Strauss II, followed by Leila, a waltz by Georg Malmstén. The Guards’ Band Combo played light dance music during the evening, with Osmo Ikonen as vocal soloist.

As in the past few years, the Yellow Salon on the third floor of the Palace was reserved for jazz music. This year’s artist was Jukka Perko Streamline Jazztet, comprising Jukka Perko (saxophone), Teemu Viinikainen (guitar), Ville Herrala (double bass), Jyrki Kangas (double bass) and Teppo Mäkynen (drums).

•  History of the Independence Day reception at the Presidential Palace

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