Thank you to everyone who joined us this past Sunday at Meie Kodu to celebrate the 108th anniversary of the independence of the Republic of Estonia. It was a beautiful and heartfelt afternoon, as more than 115 guests gathered for the formal program and reception.
Alongside members of the Vancouver Estonian community, we were honoured to welcome friends from the Latvian and Lithuanian communities; representatives from our reception sponsor, Nortal; video greetings from Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna; and greetings from Vancouver Estonian Honorary Consul Evaleen Jääger Roy. We were also grateful for the inspiring words shared by our guest speaker, Kadi Metsandi, former Deputy Permanent Representative of Estonia to OECD and UNESCO. Everyone’s presence was a meaningful reminder of our enduring bonds and the importance of standing together in friendship and shared history.
Pastor Andres Rebane of St. Peter’s Estonian Evangelical Lutheran Church warmly led the opening devotion. Our program emcees, Jeff Ägi and Liisi Einmann, guided the afternoon beautifully, reflecting on Estonia’s path to independence and the courage and determination that made it possible. (Included below is an excerpt from the welcome introduction.)
Independence Day is more than a commemoration of a historic declaration—it is a time to remember the sacrifices made for freedom, to honour those who safeguarded it, and to reaffirm our shared responsibility to preserve Estonia’s language, culture, and democratic values for future generations. For Estonians living abroad, gathering together strengthens our connection to our roots and ensures that our traditions continue to thrive.
The wonderful performances by folk dance groups Kilplased and Koidik, and mixed choir Läänetuul directed by Thomas Kirves, filled our hearts. Through music and dance, we celebrate not only our cultural heritage but also the resilience and spirit that have sustained Estonia through generations.
Presented by Ingrid Soide, a member of the medal committee and former executive director of Estonian Central Council in Canada, the Silver Medal of Merit from the Estonian Central Council in Canada was awarded to Anu Rehtlane. Although she was not able to accept the award in person, Anu was recognized for her steadfast dedication to the Vancouver Estonian community.
Thank you to all of the attendees for joining us, to the presenters and performers, and to all of the volunteers who made this event possible. We extend heartfelt thanks to our major event sponsor, Estonian Foundation of Canada, for their continued support of VES, and to Nortal for generously sponsoring our wine and cheese reception. Your support makes it possible for our community to come together in celebration and remembrance.
It was truly special to gather in honour of Estonia’s independence—celebrating our shared heritage, reflecting on our history, and looking ahead with hope and gratitude. Suur aitäh to everyone who helped make this day so memorable.
Click here to view the video greetings from Margus Tsahkna,
Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Estonia.
Excerpt from the program introduction:
Today this idea of independent and sovereign nation is more important than ever. Many of us in this room are here because our families struck out from our beloved homeland 80 plus years ago to peruse a life of freedom and liberty. These sacrifices made must never be forgotten. But long before those dark times, Estonia was fighting for its independence. So why are we here today?
Throughout centuries of rule by foreign powers, Estonians have never lost sight of their dream to become an independent state. The late 1800’s were a time of national awakening in Estonia, as Estonians advocated for a national identity through cultural expressions like folk music, poetry, theater, and the right to self-government.
The Estonian Declaration of Independence, formally titled the “Manifesto to the Peoples of Estonia,” was adopted on February 21 1918. It was first publicly read on February 23 from the balcony of the Endla Theatre In Parnu. It was then printed and distributed in Tallinn on February 24 1918, the date we now celebrate as Estonia’s Independence Day.
Not only on Estonian Independence Day / Eesti Vabariig aastapaev, but everyday, we reflect on the remarkable journey of the nation we love. Though we may be far from the land of our ancestors, we stand united in spirit, bound together by our shared history, culture, and our pride In Estonia. Our community gathers in this hall, Meie Kodu, and also at Maeotsa to exercise this love that we have for Estonia. We dance, we sing, we eat our traditional foods. We watch movies, and we maintain a library and archives filled with our literature and memories. We enjoy our history with our fellow Estonians.
The bond between us and Estonia remains unbreakable. This day is a reminder of not only the struggles and triumphs that have shaped the nation, but of the importance of keeping our connection to Estonia alive. We must protect this forever.
Above photos by: Brigid Zurock
Above photos by: Thomas Pajur
