Finnish-American Village Celebrates Finnish Independence Day with Residents, Community Leaders, and a Legacy of Friendship
Finnish-American Village proudly hosted guests and community leaders for the 2025 Finnish Independence Day celebration December 6, marking a day of remembrance, gratitude, and enduring appreciation for the many who sacrificed over the years.
With warm weather creating the perfect setting, nearly every resident from both Skilled Nursing and Assisted Living was able to participate and enjoy the festivities—an especially meaningful moment for a community rooted in heritage and excellent care.
The celebration began with a ceremonial march, raising of the Finnish and American flags, the singing of both national anthems, and remarks from distinguished guests including representatives of the Village, Commander Sami Vesterinen, and Honorary Consul General Peter Mäkilä. Honoring Finland’s independence and the strong bonds shared with America and across generations were the universal sentiments.
Residents and guests then gathered to enjoy traditional pulla and coffee, accompanied by Finnish songs beautifully performed by Finnish-American Village staff, filling the space with warmth and nostalgia.
Following the observance at Lepokoti, many attendees continued the celebration at Bryant Park in Lake Worth Beach, where the Midnight Sun Festival has been welcomed to the city park for more than 40 years. Joining the Midnight Sun Festival Committee was Lake Worth Beach Mayor Betty Resch who helped unveil the recently cleaned and reinvigorated Finnish monuments—one honoring Finnish immigrants and the other commemorating veterans of both Finland and the United States. A wreath was laid at the Veterans Monument in a solemn tribute to shared sacrifice and service.
The ceremony as well as the reinvigoration were made possible by the generosity of the Midnight Sun Festival.
Together, the events of Finnish Independence Day 2025 reflected not only a celebration of history and respect, but a living testament to the enduring friendship between Finland and South Florida—one that continues to bring generations and cultures together in gratitude, remembrance, and celebration.
About Finnish Independence Day
Finnish Independence Day, celebrated annually on December 6, commemorates Finland’s declaration of independence in 1917. It is a day of national pride, remembrance of those who defended the nation, and celebration of Finnish resilience—often referred to as sisu, the uniquely Finnish spirit of perseverance.
Honored Guests and Hosts
Commander Sami Vesterinen serves as a respected representative of Finland’s military and diplomatic traditions, frequently participating in international and cultural observances honoring Finnish service.
Honorary Consul General Peter Mäkilä represents Finland in South Florida, strengthening cultural and civic ties for the community.
Mayor Betty Resch is a longtime supporter of cultural heritage initiatives and community partnerships throughout the city.
Finnish-American Village is a nonprofit senior living provider in Lake Worth Beach dedicated to exceptional care.
The Midnight Sun Festival is an annual cultural celebration held in Bryant Park, showcasing Finnish heritage through music, food, and arts.
The Veterans Monument is a monumental boulder sourced from the historic Salpa Line (Salpalinja) fortifications in Finland, this memorial honors veterans of both Finland and the United States.
The Finnish Immigrant Monument, commissioned in 1985 by Thor and Saimi Soderholm, was sculpted by artist Carl Wagner (1938–2011) and depicts two soaring geese above a granite base engraved with a map of Finland. The migrating birds represent the determination and hope of the Finnish immigrants who journeyed across the Atlantic in search of new beginnings—many of whom settled in the Lake Worth Beach/Lantana area.
