"Trust is the superpower of Finnish society. We trust institutions, but above all, we trust each other. This trust makes us resilient and gives us the strength to face potential crises together.""You." Thus spoke Juha-Matti Markkolain his speech.
Independence Day was celebrated in Kihniö today in the traditional way. The day began with a service of the word, after which wreaths were laid at the graves of the heroes. Next on the program was the Independence Day celebration at the parish house. The vicar was Samu Turunen welcoming remarks, a speech by Juha-Matti Markkola, Chairman of the Kihniö Municipal Board, and awards. The music was provided by Seraphiina Annala and Church Choir.
This year, the Sports Inspirer of the Year was chosen Arttu Latvajärvi. Arttu has been actively involved in creating ideas and organizing activities for Kihniö residents of all ages, also outside of work. Arttu is often seen moving around Kihniö with his family, making use of various sports opportunities. For Arttu, sports are a way of life and through his own example, Arttu also inspires others to get involved in sports.
Selected as Active Youth of the Year Atte Hautamäki. Atte has invested his full effort in his hockey career and serves as a good inspiration to many other young people. Atte is dedicated to his sport, which was evident, for example, in the fact that his brother Aapo came to receive the award because Atte was in training. Atte is moving towards his dreams and it has required guts and perseverance. Atte has also shown that even though he is investing in his hockey career, he has also successfully managed his studies.
The cultural act of the year could be more like the cultural act of decades. The cultural act of the year award went to Sirpa Kortesluoma. Sirpa has served as the long-term chairman of the Kihniö Society and has recorded a considerable amount of Kihniö life and culture for posterity to admire. Sirpa has, among other things, been involved in the production of the book Work, Peat, Life and a book on building history. She has been involved in organizing Kihniö days, local excursions, newspaper articles and has edited the local newspaper. Without Sirpa, the cultural history of Kihniö would not have been given its due.
Happy Independence Day!
Below is Juha-Matti Markkola's speech in full.
Dear audience,
Especially on Independence Day, there is good reason to emphasize the importance of remembrance.
The Winter, Continuation and Lapland Wars are still in the memory of many people – through their own experiences or the stories of their parents and grandparents. Over time, memories fade and fade. We need places that remind us. Mikkeli is home to the Muisti Centre for War and Peace. It is a science centre that tells about the effects of war on people and society. Muisti takes visitors to the events of recent wars using the latest technology. There, the reality of war is revealed from the perspective of, for example, an evacuee, a political decision-maker or a young man who ended up at the front. Muisti Science Centre is intended for all those who are interested in the history of war, and especially for those who are not.
One of the sections of the exhibition is a large map board that recounts the events of World War II worldwide. When you look at the map presentation, you can't help but be shocked. There were huge battles in Eastern Ukraine 80 years ago and the same place names are repeated when you watch news broadcasts now.
It is important to remember, but it is also important to learn. Finns have a tradition of preparedness that has developed over the centuries. Years of drought, wars and epidemics have taught us to anticipate. We have a large country and a small population, which has forced us to always prepare for the worst. It is part of our identity.
We need to look around us. The world around us has become more unstable and unpredictable. Security has once again become central, and alongside military defence, there is more talk about comprehensive security. I work for the Finnish Food Authority myself, and recently comprehensive security has also been strongly on my desk. Food security, security of supply and a vibrant countryside are a key part of security and preparedness.
Finland's comprehensive security model is based on the fact that security and preparedness are not just a matter for the authorities, but a shared responsibility for society as a whole. The administration, businesses, organizations and citizens work together to secure vital functions in all situations, whether natural disasters, major accidents or military conflicts. When communities look after each other and support the authorities, the ability to change and the power to change are created, which makes Finland strong and resilient to crises. In Finland, this model of cooperation is well planned, basic tasks are assigned roles and cooperation is also practiced.
Finland's approach has also attracted interest abroad. My Swedish colleagues have told me that never before has Finland attracted as much interest in Sweden as it does now. There are at least three reasons for this: Finland's NATO membership, the Vöyri band KAJ, which represented Sweden at the Eurovision Song Contest, and the Finnish model of comprehensive security. Finland's approach is an internationally respected example of how a small country can build a strong defense with the help of the entire society.
Finland's NATO membership has been much discussed and its significance for Finland's security. The most discussed article has been NATO's Article 5, which states that an attack on one is an attack on all. It is the alliance's security guarantee. NATO's Article 3 is considerably less well-known. Article 3 obliges each member country to keep its own society strong and resilient to crises. It emphasizes the ability to prepare, withstand, respond to and recover quickly from disturbances. Civilian preparedness plays a key role in this: continuity of administration, essential services for the population and civilian support for military operations – precisely what the comprehensive security model also aims for. Together, these articles form the foundation: strong communities at home and common defense in the alliance.
Individuals are key to the overall security structure. Everyone has a constitutional right to security, but also a duty to act according to their abilities in a way that strengthens security as part of the community and society. The ability, knowledge, skills and attitude of individuals form this foundation. Mutual trust between people is the glue that holds society together.
Trust is a superpower in Finnish society. In international comparisons, Finland is seen as a society with a high level of trust. We trust institutions, but above all, we trust each other. This trust makes us resilient and gives us the strength to face crises together.
Dear listeners,
I want to highlight the importance of small communities, such as Kihniö. Small communities, villages and organizations – are flexible and resilient. People know each other, help each other and we are able to quickly adapt to changing situations. If a crisis strikes, small communities are often the first to react. They take care of the entire community, from babies to the elderly, secure everyday services and build trust that carries us through difficult times.
In Finland's comprehensive security model, these small communities are the foundation on which the larger whole is built. They are like a network that strengthens the resilience of the entire country. When small communities are strong, the whole of Finland is strong. So let's take care of each other and our community.
With these words, I would like to wish you all a Happy Independence Day!
Juha-Matti Markkola
Chairman of the Kihniö Municipal Board