As usual, it snowed that day and our guests from Toronto, the “Estonia” choir almost didn’t make it because of whiteouts and the closure of a stretch of highway 401. One choir member said that a car had passed their bus, started skidding right in front of them and wound up in the ditch. Fortunately everyone arrived safely after a somewhat long “white knuckle” trip and there were almost no empty seats in the Ottawa Latvian Church.
Brig. Gen. Vello Loema, Defence Attaché, Estonian Embassy, Washington, and
Col (ret.) Margus Aruja at the Ottawa Estonian Independence Day Aktus.
Photo: PB
Col (ret.) Margus Aruja at the Ottawa Estonian Independence Day Aktus.
Photo: PB
Ülle Baum was master of ceremonies. Margus Aruja conducted opening remarks. Brig. General Vello Loema, Defence Attaché Estonian Embassy Washington, Pirkko Mäkikokkila, Press and Cultural Attaché Finnish Embassy Ottawa, Rita Klicius representing Lithuanian Canadian Community and Andris Kesteris representing Latvian Society of Ottawa conveyed greetings. Pastor Mart Jaanson from Toronto looked after the spiritual aspect of the aktus.
The "Estonia" choir from Toronto, under the direction of no less than three conductors, Margit Viia-Maiste, Jaan Medri and Ingrid Silm, performed a thoroughly enjoyable concert much appreciated by the audience. The applause was such that the choir graciously consented to treat us to an encore.
After the aktus everyone went downstairs where a tasty Estonian cold buffet table was waiting. Pastor Kalle Kadakas from Toronto said grace and everyone enjoyed a great afternoon in the informal warm atmosphere.
Many thanks to the organizers for a job well done.