“Minu isa majakene...”

“Meie armas kodumaa” (Our beloved homeland). This was the title of a celebratory concert marking the 30th anniversary of the restoration of Ukraine’s independence… Here in Estonia, Ukrainians expressed their special love for their homeland and thanked the land and people who welcomed us into their embrace and support, as best they can, our efforts to feel worthy citizens of our country...

Today, in the wonderful acoustic hall of the House of the Blackheads, veterans of the diaspora together with the younger generation of Ukrainians spoke of their feelings for Ukraine through song, poetry and dance. The atmosphere of more than an hour and a half cannot be described in words – you have to feel it yourself…

Thanks to the support of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine and the Embassy of Ukraine in Estonia, veterans and activists of Estonia’s Ukrainian community, united by the Association of Ukrainian Organisations, received awards… New horizons lie ahead, both in the personal life of each of us and in the societies to which many of us belong…

Taking this opportunity, I would like to address our newly arrived fellow Ukrainians… Join the life of the societies, communities and associations – there are plenty of them in Estonia – bring your new colours, suggest new forms of work, bring your children to the Sunday schools so that they do not forget the language of their parents; this is very important…

Finally, I want to wholeheartedly thank each participant of today’s celebratory concert. You created an incredible atmosphere and filled people’s hearts with warmth, kindness and beauty!!! New achievements to each of you, creative energy and personal happiness!!!

Musicians: Liudmyla Odes, Aliona Duminika, Liudmyla Hramiak, Mariia Kondratieva, Kyrylo Adolin, Viacheslav Reznichenko, the choir “Ukraina” (leader V. Reznichenko), the bandura ensemble and pupils of the Sunday school “Nadija” (leader L. Hramiak), the choreographic ensemble “Kolor” (leader Nina Gets), Hanna Popovych, Oksana Mamutova, Iryna Solomatina.