The stones are ready to be engraved, and just under 100 stones remain available at the time of publication of this post.
Estonians around the world are invited to share a detail of their family's pathway to freedom, whether to North America or elsewhere. From those indescribable times of upheaval, loss, uncertainty — you can contribute one specific moment from that journey.
One detail. Carry a life forward.
This is not meant to be a headstone or a static tribute. By combining many fragments of lived moments, the enormity of what the Estonian people endured becomes understandable, relatable, human. Some examples of wording on purchased stones:
What stays with us are the specifics: an urgent wave to those left behind, a name changed at the border just in case, a treasured sewing machine traded for a boat motor. In a time of monumental turmoil and terror, both large and small decisions hold equal space in the moment—each detail builds on split-second choices that determine fateful movement toward an unknowable future.
Through the Pathway to Freedom project at KESKUS, these stories, told with care, will quite literally, be carved in stone. We’re not looking for the play-by-play. We’re looking for the specific, human, and true. The colour.
Submission deadline is asap, the engraving is underway now. After April 15th, additional engraving will become a challenge to schedule into one of the 12 containers carrrying a layer of Saaremaa, Estonia that will be laid in concentric circles into the courtyard of KESKUS International Estonian Centre .
Add your family's voice. Honour the complexity. It will reside for generations to come, in the heart of North America's 4th largest city. These stones will preserve this chapter of history, and continue to tell our stories even after we're gone. /// Igal eestlasel on loendamatuid lugusid oma pere saatusest. Hoiame oma rahva ajalugu päevakorras, et ka me enda tulevased põlvkonnad seda ei unustaks.
Each paver stone is approximately 12″ x 12″ (30cm x 30cm). The cost per paver is tax receipted. The paver itself is CDN$1,944 which amount is a nod to the year of the mass flight from Estonia, 1944. Engraving is an additional $200 fee. Engravings are in English and limited to 75 characters or fewer (including spaces). Please go to www.estoniancentre.ca/pathway-to-freedom to purchase your stone. EAC's Donations Manager via +1.647.250.7136 can assist for those without internet.
KESKUS International Estonian Centre in downtown Toronto will be a dynamic hub showcasing our rich heritage and promoting Estonian innovation. It will be a vibrant gathering place for Estonians of all generations and backgrounds to connect, celebrate, and share our culture and achievements with each other and the world.
Stay abreast of project progress by signing up for the newsletter on the homepage. /// Lisa end kirja uudiskirja saajaks KESKUSe kodulehel www.estoniancentre.ca ja jälgi ehituse kulge!
