Consul General of Finland to New York, Ambassador
Mika Koskinen Hosts Reception in New York City in
Celebration of the 102nd Anniversary of the Independence of Finland

On December 6, 2019 at the residence of the Consul General of Finland to New York in New York City, distinguished members of the Finnish and Finnish American community attended a reception in celebration of the 102nd 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, Ambassador Koskinen welcomed all and noted the significance of the Finnish American groups present. He acknowledged the attendance of Arno Rafael Minkkanen, a world renowned photographer whose works were on display throughout the residence. Arno Minkkanen was born in Helsinki but moved to the United States as a boy. He grew up in Finntown Sunset Park Brooklyn New York and now lives near Boston. His works are in collections in museums in Boston, Arizona, France, Finland and Toyko, including the Museum of Modern Art in N.Y.C. He was made a Knight of the Order of Finland of the first class by the government of Finland in 1992. Mr. Minkkanen is currently working on a play which takes place in Finntown. In the picture he is with Heli Servio, a Finnish born actor living in N.Y.C., who teaches Finnish at Columbia University.

The Finnish American Lawyers Association members present, in the picture from left to right, are: Juha Koponen, Esq. and Jyrki Tahtinen, Esq. from Borenius Attorneys Ltd; Robert Alan Saasto, Esq., President FALA; Michael Student, Esq. Sullivan & Worcester; Consul General, Ambassador Mika Koskinen; Neal Beaton, Esq., Holland & Knight; Mari Tomunen, Esq., Sullivan & Worcester; and Jarno Vanto, Esq. Crowell & Moring.

Edward Gallagher, President and CEO of American-Scandinavian Foundation is pictured on the left with Consul General, Ambassador Mika Koskinen and Robert Alan Saasto, Esq., to the right.

Robert Alan Saasto, Esq.