The day started with the raising of the flags at 7 am, and Estonian Vabariigi Aastapäeva Church service held by Pastor Andres Rebane, where the attendees could collectively thank God for the Republic of Estonia on the anniversary. A coffee table followed, festively laid by the hostesses Viivi Alexander and Valve Värtina.
The Aktus was opened and co-emceed together by the President of Vancouver Estonian Society, Ingrid Soide, and Thomas Pajur, former President.
Pastor Andres Rebane led the prayer, which was followed by commemoration of the fallen and fighters in the War of Independence.
Greetings and speeches were given by EV Consul Evaleen Jääger Roy, The Honourable Bruce Ralston, who added stories of his daughter's time in Estonia and Evi Mustel, delivered greetings from the Prime Minister of Canada.
On the occasion of the 75th Anniversary year of Vancouver Estonian Society, greetings from two former VES Presidents were shared, firstly by Tiina Allas, former VES President (1980-81) who lives now in Oregon – and a video greeting from Liis Klaar, former VES President (1991) and also former Riigikogu member of parliament, who moved back to Tallinn with her family 30 years ago.
The event reminded us of the need to stand together and to support Ukraine in every way we can. Olga Prodan, Founder and President of Ukrainian Canadian Advocacy Group, took a few moments to share her heartfelt gratitude towards Estonians and the importance of continuing to support Ukraine. Her speech was followed by a lovely rendition of Oh u luzi chernova, sung by Mariia Hahalovska and Aarne Tork on guitar.
Also in attendance were special guest The Honorary Consul of Finland, Tom Nyburg, Honorary Consul of Lithuania, Christopher Juras, and Honorary Consul of Norway Elisabeth Okre as well as leaders from the Lithuanian and Latvian communities.
Greetings and speeches were followed with a performance by Segakoor Läänetuul and performance by Koidik.
Vancouver Eesti Selts thanks Pastor Andres Rebane, and Thomas Kirves and Läänetuul, Tom Vesik and rahvatantsuruhm Koidik, our honorary consuls as well as the Honorable Bruce Ralston, Olga Prodan and all of the volunteers, performers and special guests that helped to make the event a success.
Thank you to Nortal for kindly sponsoring the wine and cheese reception which followed the event, to the Estonian Foundation of Canada for their continued support of VES, as well as to all of the speakers, performers and volunteers. Congratulations to the recipients of the Estonian Central Council in Canada Medal of Merit: Olev Rumm, Thomas Pajur, Thomas Vesik and Helgi Leesment (Gold).
