2016 Consul General of Finland to New York Manu Virtamo with FALA President Robert Saasto at Consulate Celebration of 99th year of independence of Finland

Ambassador Consul General of Finland to New York
Manu Virtamo and Mrs. Liisa Virtamo, Hosts
Reception in New York City in Celebration of the
99th Anniversary of the Independence of Finland

On December 8, 2016 at the residence of the Consul General of Finland to New York in New York City, over 70 distinguished members of the Finnish and Finnish American community attended a reception in celebration of the 99th Anniversary of the Independence of Finland. The festive occasion was an excellent opportunity to mingle, network, and socialize in an informal setting.  

In addition to promoting Finland and developing and encouraging business relationships between Finland and the U.S.A., the Consulate assists Finns living within their jurisdiction, which covers 35 states from Maine to Texas and from North Dakota to Florida, as well as Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. 

In his remarks, Consul General Virtamo spoke about the history of Finland: 600 years as part of Sweden, 1809 commencing as an independent autonomous grand duchy of Russia, independence, to the present with Finland being considered one of the richest countries in the world. He attributed that progress to Finland investing in its people.  

Consul General Virtamo made reference to the accolades recently circulating in the press and on the internet, to the effect that Finland is one of the safest, best governed and stable countries in the world, the first in freedom of press for the fifth year in a row, socially progressive, literate and has a high standard of life. Finns have a lot to be proud of.

Robert Alan Saasto, Esq.

Consul General of Finland to New York, Manu Virtamo, with FALA President Robert Saasto at Consulate Celebration of 99th year of independence of Finland.