Independence Day and Future Challenges

Independence Day

First Edition

Gospel Matthew 20:25–28 Thank You for the Fatherland

Jesus called his disciples to him and said: “You know that the rulers of the nations lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. It shall not be so among you. Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first among you must be your slave. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” (Matthew 20:25–28 First Annual Edition)

Finland, our homeland

“Oh, our land, Finland, a land of sin. A beautiful land has come to me, a beautiful inheritance has been given to me.” These words deeply move us Finns and beautifully describe our relationship with our homeland. A carefully constructed and rich history is a great backdrop, but its appreciation is not always obvious. Especially when we think about the beauty of our country, which unfolds deep in nature and in a multicultural environment.

In Finland, thousands of lakes, lush forests and four seasons create a unique scene. This landscape does not only provide aesthetic pleasure, but also supports life in many different ways. Every year, Finns spend an average of 190 million hours outdoors, which shows how important nature is for our well-being.

The beauty of nature

Finland is famous for its more than 188,000 lakes and 22 million hectares of forests, which are not only the pillars of the landscape, but also the cornerstones of our identity. Nature offers us the opportunity to calm down and get active. It is not only a beautiful environment, but also ensures our well-being. Summer brings with it many long-awaited moments. The majority of Finns enjoy summer activities, such as boating or fishing. The snowy landscapes of winter provide opportunities for skiing, snowboarding and ice fishing. This not only enriches our lives, but also makes it easier to manage stress and improve mental health.

Summer Culture

Finnish summer is special, as the amount of daylight increases dramatically and nature comes alive. Midsummer, one of the most important celebrations in our culture, brings Finns together to celebrate the arrival of summer. During Midsummer, an estimated 1.2 million euros are spent on renting bonfires and party tents, highlighting the importance of our summer culture to the entire economy and community. Our summer culture not only provides joy, but also enables connections. This sense of community helps us to understand our roots and heritage effectively.

Winter Challenges

When winter comes, we face challenges. The darkness and cold of Central Ostrobothnia can seem overwhelming. Yet the beauty of winter is unparalleled. Activities like snowboarding, skiing and ice fishing allow us to enjoy nature and the opportunities it offers. Community and its support are central to overcoming winter challenges. For example, last winter, over 500 winter sports events were held across Finland, strengthening community connections and supporting the local economy.

The legacy of the past and the present

Independence Day is an important holiday for us Finns. It is when we honor our heroes who fought for freedom. Independence is not a given; difficult choices have been made for it. Finnish veterans and their families have sacrificed a lot so that we can live free. Over 700,000 people attend the Independence Day reception each year, which shows our commitment to this important moment. The importance of the past is by no means diminishing. We live in times when adapting to various changes is even more important than ever. It is vital to preserve the lessons of history so that we can move forward and not forget the past.

We must remember our responsibility for the future. The Psalm emphasizes that we should thank God for our homeland. Sustainable development, environmental friendliness and community are themes that are topical and require our attention. When we turn our gaze to the future, we can make responsible choices. It is important that we ensure that our values and traditions are not broken.

Community and national identity

The core of Finnish culture is strongly rooted in a sense of community. Especially on Independence Day, we can share strong feelings with others, which brings our hearts together. The bonds of community that have been forged over generations help us overcome difficulties. We are united by traditions and culture, which provide a profound meaning to our common identity.

On Independence Day, we thank our veterans, but recognition should also be given to others, such as the women who served on the home front. Their courage and sacrifice have been the foundation of modern Finland. We must remember that each generation has its own responsibility. We must build and cherish our heritage for future generations. This is how we ensure that the "beautiful heritage" remains vibrant in the future.

Future prospects

Looking to the future, I know that change is the only certainty. Keeping our values and traditions in mind makes us stronger. We must also be open to new ideas and changes so that we can grow. No future challenge can steal the beauty and strength that we Finns have. In the years to come, even when our times are difficult, we will always have a common country to be grateful for. May our future be bright as we honor our past and develop our community.

At the heart of Finland’s independence is an ongoing shared journey. We must understand that this country, its natural beauty, and its successes are bigger than ourselves. When we honor our heritage and make choices that affect the future, we preserve our achievements for generations to come. Together, we pray and give thanks for what we have, remembering the sacrifices of our veterans. Independence is not a given; it requires all of us to contribute to our future.