A conference dedicated to the hundredth anniversary of long time Estonian diplomat in the United States, Ernst Jaakson took place on September 21 at the Hiiumaa museum. In co-operation with the Estonian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Hiiumaa museum organized the conference, to celebrate the life and work of Estonia’s longest serving diplomat.

Ernst Jaakson’s ancestral roots can be traced back to the island of Hiiumaa.

Ernst Jaakson’s diplomatic colleague, parliamentarian Trivimi Velliste began his speech thanking the Hiiumaa museum, which had decorated a room in memory of Jaakson and has put together a permanent exhibit dedicated to Jaakson’s life. In a heartfelt speech, Velliste made note of an interesting observation, which he considered somewhat intriguing.

He observed that the dates marking the beginning and the end of Ernst Jaakson’s long time career as an Estonian diplomat presented somewhat of a coincidence. Jaakson began his career on 20 August 1919 at the Estonian embassy in Riga. Estonia re-gained its independence on 20 August 1991. Jaakson, a staunch defender of Estonia’s national continuity, named this date the happiest day of his life.

Ernst Jaakson served the Estonian nation until his death on 4 September 1998. Together he worked in the Estonian Foreign Service for 79 years, serving as a diplomat for 69 years.
The Ernst Jaakson Foundation was established after Jaakson’s death. The foundation was created to offer aspiring young students financial aid to attend university and to honour those who have played an integral role in helping to secure Estonia’s independence. Over the past seven years, the foundation has supported eight college students with financial aid. It was Jaakson’s wish that his inheritance would be put to good use. In accordance with this wish, the University of Tartu inherited 8.6 million kroons.
(ER #36)

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