A Commemorative Event Marking 80 Years since the Mass Flight of 1944, in the presence of the President of Estonia, co-hosted by EANC
It has been 80 years since the fateful year of 1944, when an estimated ~80,000 Estonians made the impossible choice to flee persecution by the occupying Soviet power — leaving behind their beloved homeland and loved ones to face an uncertain and harrowing journey in hopes of survival and freedom.
The only words that might sum up this impossible choice: ´Minna ei taha, kuid jääda ei saa...´ (I do not want to go, but i cannot stay...)
EANC, together with the Estonian Embassy in Washington, DC, the New York Estonian Educational Society, and the Foundation for Estonian Arts and Letters, co-hosted this commemorative event on September 22, 2024 in remembrance of this tragic period of history and to honor the determination and perserverance of the Estonian people.
We are honored to have welcomed the President of the Republic of Estonia, Alar Karis, as our guest speaker. President Karis, too, reiterated the importance of recording our family stories and 1944 Mass Flight escapes and journeys to preserve this history. (Read more about the EIHM database of refugees.)
Please enjoy photos of the event Commemorating the Mass Flight of 1944 with the President of Estonia (Photographs by TULI Enterprises, LLC)
We are honored to have welcomed the President of the Republic of Estonia, Alar Karis, as our guest speaker. President Karis, too, reiterated the importance of recording our family stories and 1944 Mass Flight escapes and journeys to preserve this history.
EANC president Mai-Liis Bartling provided the welcoming remarks at the event, and introduced Estonian Ambassador to the US Kristjan Prikk. Council board member Andres Simonson offered reflections on growing up as the child of refugee parents, and NY Estonian Educational Society president Carl Skonberg offered concluding remarks in which he noted the Estonians who had emigrated to the US before the war, and were on hand with relief and aid to assist the incoming Estonian refugees, and build up the Estonain community here in the US. The program included moving musical performances by the NY Estonian Mixed Choir, solist Isabel-Mary Roos and cellist Brendan Tarm, accompanied by pianist Cade Roberts. A special photo exhibit by Maria Spann was on display, with photos depicting the children of the Mass Flight of 1944 and the precious items they had brought with them on their journey.
This commemorative event closed with a reception hosted by the Estonian Embassy, followed by a warmly received post-event concert by the much loved Estonian band Justament, featuring Toomas & Inga Lunge and Jaan Elgula.
Please enjoy photos of the event Commemorating the Mass Flight of 1944 with the President of Estonia (Photographs by TULI Enterprises, LLC)
