Finnish Fond Farewell

Ambassador of Finland Pekka Lintu and Mrs. Laurel Colless hosted a farewell reception at the embassy on June 27 as they prepare for their upcoming posting to Greece. In his welcoming remarks, the Ambassador thanked guests for coming “to wave us goodbye.” The popular couple has been in Washington for over five years during which time their daughter Julia was born. He hailed the “willingness of the American people to engage themselves” and spoke of their “friendliness and openness.” He also recognized the strong support of the embassy staff and of his talented wife “who seems to know everybody.” Mrs. Colless spoke of their pride in the “green” embassy, the first in the United States to receive the prestigious Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification from the U.S. Green Building Council. Guests departed with an art book chronicling the embassy’s design and numerous events.