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  In June 2020, we marked 80 years since the tragic events between June 15-17, 1940, when the Baltic countries were occupied by the Soviet Union and lost their independence.   The sacrifice, bravery and hope of the people of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania, eventually led to their regaining independence...

Helga Merits   Andres’s family.   There are many stories of people that I interviewed or just spoke with, which come to my mind these days. Stories about uncertainties, about loss, about waiting and the need for being patient. One of these is The Story of Andres, an Estonian refugee:...

Estonian American Fund Press ReleaseJune 22, 2020     NATO troops pitched in on June 15 and 16 to move the Tartu Christian Adolescents’ Home to its new home.   Twenty-two soldiers from Great Britain came from the base at Tapa, bringing their muscle and equipment to help the staff...

Helga Merits   Emigrant Screening and Medical, photo courtesy of Helga Merits   The corona virus has changed day-to-day life for all of us. For me it has meant that I couldn’t do all the research I wanted or needed to do, I had to postpone my travels and cancel...

Enn Auksmann   Since the beginning of the 11th century, the region in Northern Europe, which we now know as Estonia, has been a constant target of foreign conquerors: the Russians, Germans, Danes, Poles and Swedes have ruled or tried to rule over us.   Our ancestors were deprived of...

Each youth exchange brings together 30 young people aged 18-30 of Estonian origin; 20 living abroad and 10 from Estonia. The main aim of the youth exchange is to introduce the Estonian culture and language to participants. 1st exchange: September 21 - October ​2, 20202nd exchange: November 23 - December...

A few days ago, Congressman Buchanan in Florida advised in an e-mail to his constituents that he has co-sponsored the Never Again Education Act in order to educate students about the horrors of the Holocaust and he asked us to share our thoughts. Of course, I support the education of...

JUNE 9, 2020     The recent Administration proposal to significantly scale back American troops in Germany by 25 percent raises several concerns. The reduction of our troops based in Germany would not only curtail the United States’ operational military presence in Europe but sends a message that the U.S....

35th West Coast Estonian Days July 16th to July 18th 2021     Seattle is excited to share the extraordinary and breathtaking beauty of our home in the Pacific Northwest as we join our hands, hearts, and voices to celebrate Estonian culture at the Seattle LEP2021.   Since 1953, West...

Renee Meriste   United we stand, divided we fall. 2020 is not even halfway done and we have already had many unexpected events.   This week’s occurrences in America touch all of us in many ways and it is very important to remember that we have three different events and...