Health workers invited for small scale Independence Day party

President Sauli Niinistö and first lady Jenni Haukio will invite people who have worked for the good of health and Finnish society during the coronavirus pandemic to the traditional Independence Day reception party at the Presidential Palace on 6 December,

"We know that healthcare staff have humanly faced extremely hard work and difficulties throughout the year. Inevitably, I am reminded of a statement made by Winston Churchill in quite another context, namely 'never was so much owed by so many to so few'. We want this feeling of gratitude to be remembered and emphasised", said Niinistö in a press release issued by the President Office on Wednesday.

The second theme for the reception this year is "much is well". In accordance with this theme, those invited to the reception will include volunteers and guests who have contributed through their own actions to Finland's strengths.

"The difficult coronavirus period has shown that much is well. In Finland, there is much that is good. Coping so well with the coronavirus challenge is testament to the fact that many other professions have also been stretched to the limit. People's voluntary work has also been important", said the President.

Currently, the total number of people invited to the reception is less than 200. Nearly all of those invited will be attending the event for the first time.

The celebration normally takes place with several hundreds of people ( in between 1500 and 2000) every year.

Instead of the traditional reception attended by invited guests, the President couple welcomed all the Finns to celebrate the Independence Day in different locations remotely last year against the backdrop of coronavirus situation.

Traditional guests of honour on Independence Day, war veterans and members of the Lotta Svärd, will meet the presidential couple for a coffee event before Independence Day.

On Independence Day, the Finnish Broadcasting Corporation Yle will broadcast the events of the day and an interview with the presidential couple live on Yle TV1. Viewers will also have the opportunity to send their own greetings to the evening's broadcast.

Preparations for Independence Day Reception are taking place in a changing situation. In addition to a smaller number of guests than usual, health security will be taken into account in all other arrangements at the reception. The development of the coronavirus situation will be monitored as preparations advance and the changing situation will be addressed as necessary.