President of the Republic Alexander Stubb and his spouse Suzanne Innes-Stubb hosted the national Father’s Day celebration at the Presidential Palace in Helsinki on 9 November 2025. The President of the Republic awarded state honours to 48 fathers. Photo: Mikko Stig / Lehtikuva
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President Alexander Stubb awarded state honours to 48 fathers on Sunday at the Presidential Palace in Helsinki. This was the first time Finland has officially recognised fatherhood through state decorations.
The medals, known as the Medal of the White Rose of Finland, First Class with golden cross, were presented during a national Father’s Day event. The date, celebrated annually on the second Sunday of November, is also an official flag day in Finland.
The awards went to fathers acknowledged for their contributions to raising children and youth, as well as for their role as responsible and caring parents. Recipients were selected based on their everyday commitment to family life and their broader social responsibility.
“Recognition of fathers is now on equal footing with that of mothers,” Stubb said at the ceremony.
Since 1946, mothers have received state decorations on Mother’s Day. Until now, fathers were recognised through a separate award called “Father of the Year”, granted annually since 2006. That programme has now ended.
Candidates were nominated across Finland. Recipients came from all regions: three from Lapland, five from northern Finland, six from eastern Finland, five from southwest Finland, twelve from western and central Finland, fifteen from southern Finland and two from Åland.
The Ministry of Social Affairs and Health selected the final awardees after receiving nominations from regional government offices. Local authorities, congregations, associations, and family members submitted the suggestions.
In several cases, children’s letters formed part of the recommendation. According to the organisers, many of the letters spoke about fathers who were always present, showed love, and provided security.
The awardees include single fathers, adoptive fathers, and parents in foster families. Several have also contributed to work in child welfare, youth associations, and sports clubs.
The youngest recipient is 46 years old and the oldest is 91. The average age among the group is 67. Six fathers speak Swedish as their native language.
Some recipients were selected for their role in integrating immigrant children through support family networks.
The event was organised by The Family Federation of Finland in cooperation with the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health.
President Stubb’s wife Suzanne Innes-Stubb also attended the ceremony.
HT
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Source: www.helsinkitimes.fi
