Florida Estos

Her Excellency Marina Kaljurand, Ambassador of the Republic of Estonia to the United States and Mexico, and The Honorable Sten Schwede, Consul General of the Republic of Estonia in New York City, celebrated the 96th Anniversary of Estonian Independence with 80 guests, members and friends of the Estonian Society of Central Florida (Kesk Florida Eesti Selts), at a special luncheon on Saturday, February 22, 2014, at the Countryside Country Club, 3001 Countryside Blvd., Clearwater, Florida.

The official luncheon program was rich in content. KFES President Tõnu Toomepuu welcomed guests and we began with the singing of the Star Spangled Banner. Pastor Priit Rebane offered the invocation. Ms. Monika Orumaa Craig, member of the Estonian American National Council, read the Council’s greetings on the occasion of the 96th Anniversary of Estonian Independence. The Honorable Consul General Sten Schwede led us in a memorial tribute (Langenute Mälestamine) to those who gave the ultimate sacrifice for Estonian independence. Ms. Triin Karr read the moving poem Sini Must Valge written by Aale Oengo Kingo. KFES President Toomepuu’s introduction of Ambassador Kaljurand was a tribute to an extraordinary diplomat. Ambassador Kaljurand’s keynote speech was spellbinding filled with Estonia’s impressive accomplishments and a call for our continuing support for Estonia’s everlasting independence; the audience listened with enormous pride and a renewed commitment to their Estonian heritage so far away from their homeland.

There was lots of fun during this special celebration. An Estonian Quiz was introduced this year, with 12 tables in competition. The Judges? The Ambassador and her husband and the Consul General. The outcome of the Quiz? 100% correct answers. We can expect no less of Estonians. The loterii led by Ms. Marju Cabrera, ably assisted by Logan and Annika Karr, and Kaie Põhi Latterner’s sing-along between speeches energized our spirits. The afternoon was made sweeter with a basket of candies, a gift from the Ambassador, offered to members by Annika Karr. Lisa Ann Mets, Honorary Consul of the Republic of Estonia in St. Petersburg, Florida, offered closing remarks. The program concluded with the beautiful Eesti Hümn.

Please visit the links on this website for upcoming meetings and events hosted by the Estonian Society of Central Florida (Kesk Florida Eesti Selts).

For information about the Kesk Florida Eesti Selts, please contact:
Mr. Rein Raja at (727) 866-2614, raja77@verizon.net
or
Ms. Maare Kuuskvere at (941) 795-6835, jaank@verizon.net