In speech at Estonian House in New York, president says spirit of resistance is key

TALLINN - In his remarks at an event commemorating the Great Escape of 1944 at the Estonian House in New York on Sunday, President Alar Karis stressed the importance of the spirit of resistance that the Estonian people maintained throughout the occupations.

"In spite of the horrendous losses in World War II, the occupying powers could not break our spirit of resistance," the head of state said. 

He recalled the activities of the Otto Tief government 80 years ago.

"This, the strength of our spirit of resistance against foreign rule, is what helped us restore our independence and brought us back among the free and democratic nations. This is the meaning of this day. And this day also reminds us that Estonia's existence, future, and the firmness of our resolve to resist depend on each and every one of us also now."

The president stressed that documenting the stories of the people who had to leave their homes is an important part of Estonia's history. He recalled that two years ago, the Estonian Institute of Historical Memory launched the collection of stories from the Great Escape.

"This initial database is now available, but it still needs to be specified and supplemented. It is definitely worth taking one more look at the correspondence, photos, and documents of your parents, grandparents, relatives and acquaintances, and giving them to Estonian or expatriate Estonian archives, so that these historical testimonies do not simply vanish into oblivion. All of this greatly aids in clarifying and preserving our past," Karis said.

The president expressed gratitude to Estonians who kept the spirit and culture of Estonia alive while being away from their homeland.

"I find it important that the Estonian House in New York still speaks the Estonian language and resonates with Estonian songs, and that an Estonian school operates here, which will celebrate its 90th anniversary exactly one week from today,” the head of state added.