Three ways to celebrate Independence Day

Independence Day conforms to a higher purpose than a holiday, celebration, good food, songs, etc.; we are familiar with the value at the heart of this holiday: gratitude. This was discussed in a previous article, "The Power of Gratitude." Indeed, it is advantageous and crucial that Finns and foreigners raise appreciation as a topic of discussion and awareness while also learning the benefits of living in a peaceful nation. Therefore, by conveying and exchanging our good values with one another, we can contribute to a nation's strength and enrich ourselves even further than before.

On Tuesday, December 6, to honor Finland's Independence Day, the president of the Republic of Finland hosts a reception at the Presidential Palace. This year's reception theme is Finland as a nation with faith in itself. "We live in a country that has always tried to overcome challenging times," said Finland's president, "and this is the result of a good, fruitful collaboration with each other and also trusting ourselves."

As a result, it would be meaningful and profound to commemorate Finland's Independence Day this year by emphasizing love, gratitude, and activities that highlight the country's strengths.

Photo by Joakim Honkasalo on Unsplash

1. Pay respect

Finland has a brief but profound democratic history. It is one of the world's most democratic countries. It was one of the first countries in Europe to vote for women's rights. Independence Day serves a greater purpose than a holiday, festivity, good food, and songs. It commemorates a country's sovereignty. It evokes images of men who fought, heroes like Mannerheim, heroines like the Lottas, and the birth of the "Suomi" mother tongue.

Indeed, it is beneficial and essential for Finns and foreigners to draw attention to and raise awareness of appreciation and learn why it is grateful to live in a peaceful country. As a result, we can all contribute by sharing and exchanging good values, enriching ourselves even more than before through fruitful cooperation and collaboration; this indeed thrives and strengthens a nation. Relate to art and history, for example, by visiting a history or art museum or historical sites to learn more about Finland, its treasures, resources, and culture.

2. Express your appreciation

Have fun expressing love and appreciation for the country's offers, such as peace, safety, education, health, and social services. We can create together with family and friends, such as writing a song or poem about Finland, drawing Finland's fantastic nature, making a beautiful patchwork inspired by forests, organizing a small concert at home by playing a musical instrument or singing the "Maamme Song," Finland's national anthem.

In our artistic activities, we could foster feelings of nationalism and embrace the love for the place where we live. This can be a beautiful and powerful gesture, especially in this era of conflict.

3. Plant for the future

We all live with family, friends, relatives, children, young and old, foreigners and Finns, under the same sky and in the same beautiful land of Finland; the present and future belong to all of us. As a result, we must all work together to protect and support people and the country's spaces, such as nature, the environment, and wildlife.

These activities are essential for our health and happiness and the country's future, children, and the next generation.

These activities could include donating money to the country's conservation efforts or planting trees if we are aware of projects organized by the city council or other organizations. Other activities could include donating or volunteering to clean and protect the city and community sites and help improve the environment.

All these precious and fruitful actions cause us to reflect on the president's words and recognize the importance of believing in ourselves and our potential and abilities to build a robust and prosperous present and future in which ethical values are respected and practiced.

You were born with potential. You were born with goodness and trust. You were born with ideals and dreams. You were born with greatness. You were born with wings. You are not meant for crawling, so don't. You have wings. Learn to use them and fly. - Rumi