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News, 12/6/2006

The President’s Independence Day Reception on 6 December 2006

President of the Republic of Finland Tarja Halonen and Dr Pentti Arajärvi held the traditional Independence Day reception at the Presidential Palace on Wednesday 6 December 2006. As in previous years, invitations had been sent to all members of the Government, Members of Parliament, the Finnish Members of the European Parliament, senior civil servants and members of the diplomatic corps accredited to Finland. Also among the guests were Finns who have distinguished themselves in some way or another and persons whom the President and Dr Arajärvi have met in the course of the past year. About 1,900 guests had been invited in all.


Photo: Lehtikuva.

Finland is celebrating this year the centenary of universal and equal suffrage. Because of this several representatives of women’s organisations were invited, among others. The second theme of the reception was the Finnish peacekeeping operations, which celebrates its 50th anniversary this year. Invitations had been sent to people who have distinguished themselves n peacekeeping operations and civilian crisis management.

Guests at the reception were served the traditional buffet. This included layer loaves, pies, pasties and other savouries as well as cakes, and biscuits. To drink there was organic coffee and tea, Palace Punch, wine, beer and soft drinks. There was be about 150 flower arrangements decorating the Palace and many of the flowers were from Kultaranta, the President’s summer residence.

Background music during the hand-shaking ceremony and later on dance music in the State Hall was played by the Guards' Band, conductors Elias Seppälä and Raine Ampuja. The band's Combo ensemble performed in the State Hall with Heikki Mäntyniemi as vocal soloist.

As in previous years, there was jazzmusic in the Yellow Salon on the third floor of the Palace. This year music was be provided by Jukka Perko Trio.

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Updated 1/19/2007

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