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Opening of the Memorial in Remembrance of the Mass Flight of 1944 and Related Events in Pärnu and Tallinn.
September 18, 2024 @ 8:00 am – September 22, 2024 @ 5:00 pm EDT
The Estonian World Council, in collaboration with the City of Pärnu, is honored to announce the unveiling of a memorial sculpture dedicated to the generation of Estonians who were forced to flee their homeland during the Mass Flight of 1944. This significant event will take place on September 21 on the banks of the Pärnu River, a poignant location where many bid their final farewells. The project was funded by generous donations from Estonians abroad, many WWII refugees themselves, their descendants and families, and friends of the community. The City of Pärnu has donated the land for the place of remembrance. The entire project, including planning, organizing, and leadership, has been funded through global voluntary donations.
EANC is a proud supporter of this enormous project.
Schedule of Events: Events in conjunction with the monument opening are marked **
September 18, 2024:
ּ 5:00 PM: Meeting of Mass Flight refugees with Tallinn Secondary School of Science (Tallinna Reaalkool) students.
September 19, 2024:
5:00 PM: Commemorative event at the memorial stone behind St. Michael’s Church (Mihkli kirik) in Tallinn /at the EWC information plaque.
5:15 PM – 5:45 PM: Ceremony at Freedom Sqaure (Vabaduse Väljak) by the War of Independence monument. Ringing of church bells throughout Estonia.
6:00 PM – 7:30 PM: Memorial service at St. John’s Church (Jaani kirik) in Tallinn. Performance by the Arsis Handbell Ensemble.
**September 20, 2024:
12:00 PM: “Meeting of the Generations” with Noorte Vabamu at Pärnu Museum. (Meeting of Mass Flight refugees with students)
6:00 PM: Evening chat with sculptor Elo Liiv at Pärnu Museum.
**September 21, 2024:
All Day: Exhibit at Pärnu Museum. Curated by Harry Liivrand.
3:00 PM: Unveiling of the Mass Flight Memorial at the Kesklinna Bridge in Pärnu.
7:00 PM: Pärnu Concert Hall’s season opening concert, Estonian National Symphony Orchestra (ERSO), conducted by Maestro Neeme Järvi, Eesti Kontsert.
**September 22, 2024:
11:00 AM: Memorial service at St. Elizabeth’s Church (Eliisabeti kirik) in Pärnu.