Special Events
A Commemorative Event Marking 80 Years since the Mass Flight of 1944
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 forces — leaving behind beloved homeland and splitting families — to face an uncertain journey in hope of freedom and life.
EANC is honored to have welcomed the President of the Republic of Estonia, Alar Karis, as our guest speaker at this event special event, co-hosted together with the Estonian Embassy in Washington, DC, the New York Estonian Educational Society, and the Foundation for Estonian Arts and Letters on September 22, 2024 in remembrance of this tragic period of history and to honor the determination and perserverance of the Estonian people.
In his remarks President Karis reiterated the importance of recording our family histories and adding to the database of 1944 Mass Flight refugees to help document this history. At the event President Karis also met with community members who were young children in that fateful year, the year their lives were forever changed and they became child refugees fleeing the Russian occupation in order to survive.
The Mass Flight of Estonia 1944: Commemorative Sculpture
During World War 2, Estonia was occupied by the Soviet Union, forcing around 80,000 Estonian citizens to flee their homes, becoming displaced persons and refugees. Many perished during their escape to the west, facing death, imprisonment, or exile in the Siberian Gulag. Despite their hardships, they sought new beginnings worldwide. Their descendants are now commemorating their sacrifices with a memorial sculpture by Elo Liiv to be erected on September 21, 2024, on the bank of the Pärnu river in Estonia, where many said their final farewells. This monument will honor all Estonians who departed during that tumultuous period.
Estonian American Community Celebration: A Night of Thanks & Community, hosted by EANC!
Saturday, October 14th @ Lakewood Estonian House. You’re invited! Join us for a lively celebration and heartwarming program celebrating culture, community, the outstanding work of Estonian Americans in the community! Special Guests, Dinner, Awards & Recognitions, Entertainment!
Singing Revolution: The Musical
Singing Revolution is a new musical with a crowd-pleasing Europop score. It tells the tale of star-crossed lovers against the beautiful, moving, and timeless true story of Estonia’s 1987 song-filled, peaceful uprising, known the world over as the “Singing Revolution” against the Soviet Union, which eventually restored the Republic of Estonia’s independence in 1991.
ESTO|Raiser 2021
The event will also help spotlight the many Estonian businesses and talented individuals who, by their participation as donors and performers, will be able to promote their products, talents, or services.
EV 103 Celebration 2021
As we continue to celebrate our Estonian culture and oneness, may we always remember those who came before us and all the sacrifices that have been made along the way.
Hosted by EANC, Estonian Americans from around the USA and our friends, both locally and around the world, celebrate the 103rd anniversary of the Republic of Estonia.