This Mother's Day, the Finnish President recognised 29 deserving mothers—an annual tradition dating back 75 years.
Niinistö, a 72 year-old father of a toddler, took to Twitter on Sunday morning to congratulate moms. The president’s official Mother’s Day greeting emphasised the roles mothers play in society.
"Each of you is worthy of our high regard. With your nurturing, support and understanding, you provide lifelong sustenance to your children," he said. "This year, too, we will award mothers who, by their presence and actions, have created safe and loving homes."
On Sunday, 29 mothers in Finland will receive the First Class Medal of the White Rose of Finland with golden cross. Niinistö said the recipients have done "what is best not only for their own children, but also very often for the children of others."
Since the award’s inception in 1946, moms who have gained the nod tend to have many children, a rural domicile and a history of active duty in charity and volunteer organisations. Urban mothers with few children have rarely been decorated.
Some 1.6 million women in Finland have biological or adoptive children. Last year, Finland saw 46,463 new babies, an increase of 850 over 2019.
Mother’s Day, falling on the second Sunday in May, is an official flag day in Finland.