Finland - which was frequently regarded as a fourth "Baltic state" itself during the inter-war period - has become not only a good neighbor but in many ways a role model for Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania as they struggled and succeeded in establishing and maintaining their own Baltic identities.
President Raimonds Vejonis led the way, with the Finnish flag flying above Riga Castle and many other public and private buildings.
To celebrate the 100th Independence Day of Finland and in recognition of Finnish friendship, we raise the Finnish flag above the Riga Castle. Our nations are united in their desire for freedom and self-determination. Paljon onnea, Suomi! #onneasuomi #suomi100 #finland100 pic.twitter.com/svkPMUfWgJ
— Raimonds Vējonis (@Vejonis) December 6, 2017
Foreign Minister Edgars Rinkevics also had a message for Finland.
Today Finnish flag will fly at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs celebrating the Centenary of Finland, my warmest birthday greetings to our Finnish friends! Meillä on suuri ilo onnitella naapureitamme suomalaisia itsenäisyyden 100-vuotispäivänä! #itsenäisyyspäivä #Finland100??
— Edgars Rinkēvičs (@edgarsrinkevics) December 6, 2017
Riga City Council said that the Town Hall would be illuminated in Finnish colors of blue and white (which also happen to be Riga's colors) in honor of the occasion and that Father Christmas had arrived from Rovaniemi for a special visit.
The landmark railway bridge across the River Daugava is also illuminated in Finnish colors.
Meanwhile the Latvian Institute has gone to the trouble of making both a celebratory film and a celebratory cake for Finland.
Today, Finland is celebrating hundred years of independence, and the people of Latvia, also a centenarian, are willing to greet: onnea satavuotiaalle Suomelle!#Suomi100 #LV100 https://t.co/QgsZEfvznE
— Latvian Institute (@LatviaInstitute) December 6, 2017
And let's not forget our friends at the Finnish embassy in Riga, who we happen to know are among our readership. Happy birthday!
Ambassador @OlliKantanen and Latvian kids welcomed @FinnishSanta to Riga ?????? @Finnair #finnair #santa #suomi100 #Finland100 #joulupukki pic.twitter.com/dt3JypOVYJ
— FinEmbRiga (@FinEmbRiga) December 5, 2017
You can read more about the historic events leading up to Finnish independence HERE.
