Estonian Independence Day Celebration
Eesti Vabariigi 82. Aastapäev
The Edmonton Estonian Society celebrated the 82nd anniversary of Estonian Independence on Sunday afternoon, February 27. A capacity crowd filled the Strathcona Room at the Royal Glenora Club to commemorate this historic event. Estonia formally declared its independence from Russia on February 24, 1918, and this date has remained a national holiday in the newly Independent Estonia today.
The celebration began with the singing of O Canada and Mu Isamaa, accompanied by Helve Sastok. Toomas Paasuke was Master of Ceremonies and welcomed the guests, many of whom were from out-of-town. It was a special honor to have in attendance several families who were descendants of the first Estonian pioneers to Canada. These families played a central role in the immensely successful Centennial celebration last June in Stettler. For many, this event had stirred an interest in their Estonian roots and they were attending Independence Day for the first time.
Eda McClung introduced Bob Kingsep, grandson of Henrik Kingsep, the first Estonian pioneer to settle in Canada. Also present were Arnold Mottus, Allan Posti, Ralph Pihooja, Astrid Oro Ustina and Bob Tipman - all had grandparents who settled in Alberta at the turn of the century.
A sumptuous buffet meal was served, made even more enjoyable by the bright sunshine and the scenic river valley setting. The room buzzed with lively conversation and laughter, as friends enjoyed the occasion.
The meal was followed by a video presentation, "Touring Estonia." It was a well-narrated, circle tour of Estonia and included highlights of the 1999 Song & Dance Festival. It left viewers in awe of Estonia's historical sights, and left no doubt that this was a nation that could (and had) sung its way to freedom! Ain Leetma, an Estonian seminary student in Edmonton, spoke afterwards and reflected on the current meaning and challenge of freedoms for Estonia. The afternoon ended with a lively lottery draw of a variety of ethnic items.
The celebration evoked pride in our heritage, which has survived against all odds. The strength of the Estonian spirit has long been recognized:
"Ühe rahva vaimu võib paenutada ja suruda, aga ei iial murda. Järeltulejad pärast meid seisavad imekspannes tema ilmumise ees, mis nagu maa seest tõuseb ja endale uue não võtab: aga ta on seesama muutmata vaim, kes rahvaste elu aastasadadeI loonud."
J.V. Snellman
(Eesti Postimees, 17.II, 1882)
