Speech of the Chair of the Board on Independence Day 2025
In the traditional Independence Day Torchlight Procession, part of the program is the speech of the Chair of the Board. You can read it here!
Dear fellow students,
Today, on Finnish Independence Day, we gather together to honour our country, which grants each of us the freedom to build a future of our own making. For us students, this day is not merely a historical anniversary. It is a reminder that we are part of a story that continues.
An independent Finland did not come about by itself. It was fought for, dreamed of, and sacrifices were made for it that we cannot fully comprehend, but which we can deeply appreciate. We stand today on the shoulders of those who bore the responsibility in a time when freedom was not self-evident.
But independence is not finished, nor is it a permanent state. It lives in how we treat each other, the kind of society we stand for, and the choices we make. It requires courage: we must defend justice, education, freedom of speech, and equality. These are the values that make Finland the country we know.
With these words, I wish you all a Happy and Peaceful Independence Day.