After a two-year break due to the pandemic, it was time again for the local associations in Lessebo municipality to arrange a national day celebration.
Visitors were treated to coffee and home-baked buns and music by Glasriket Symphonic Band.
But Lessebo is, as is well known, a municipality where a large proportion has its roots in other countries.
According to the chairman of the municipal board, the inhabitants are born in 110 different countries and 68 different citizenships are represented.
"Many thanks"
During the national day celebrations, the municipality greeted two residents who had recently become Swedish citizens.
Hadel Al Balkhy and Wissam Al Khouly each received a diploma and a bouquet of flowers.
- I want to say a big thank you to all the pensioners here, who formed Sweden strong and nice.
Thank you, said Wissam Al Khouly and was greeted by a big warm applause.
See the celebration in the clip above.
This year's cultural scholarship holder
At the same time, Lessebo municipality took the opportunity to draw attention to people who in various ways have made an effort for association life.
One of them was Sven-Olof Karlsson from Kosta, who was appointed a cultural scholarship holder.
Sven-Olof is almost 90 years old and began his career as a youth leader already in the 50s.
A commitment that has since continued within the Folkets Hus movement.
- It is an effort I have to help those who are having a hard time.
There are many hours I have spent on things that people do not know.
But I do not want to mention anything and I do not want to emphasize myself, said a noticeably moved Sven-Olof Karlsson in his speech of thanks where he also mentioned his wife and others who have cooked for various events at Folkets Hus.