Hyvää Itsenäisyyspäivää Suomi!
Our beautiful ceremony today was enjoyed by many residents, staff, and our Finnish American community. We were honored to welcome from Tampa Everstiluutnantti from the Finnish Army who greeted our very own Irja T. who served as a Lotta, bringing food to the soldiers. The parade and flag raising were followed by the singing of the anthems of Finland and the United States, then short speeches from Assisted Living Manager Katja, Executive Director Dan, as well as others, celebrating Independence Day, the beauty of freedom, and our connections with Finland and the friends of Finland. Pastor Sami gave a blessing and after the ceremony, kahvi and pulla were enjoyed with Finnish television in the Pokela Room.
Hyvää itsenäisyyspäivää Suomi!
(Permission to post granted.)