Toomas Hendrik Ilves 20.08.2008 at Night Song Festival (Öölaulupidu)

Estonia's President Toomas Hendrik Ilves' speech on 20. August 2008 at Night Song Festival.

My translation:

"Dear people here and in all Estonian homes.
Look around! We are all here! All!
20 years ago Estonian nation upraised against fear and humiliation.
Nation's desire for freedom became a song for hundreds of thousands of people. Our spirit became free.
Back that had been crouching for half a century, now stood straight.
Our songs and longing became activity towards freedom.
We won and made Estonia a state again!
Estonia knows how to win and our people know how to win.
Let us be proud of that, like today we are proud of the world's best Gerd Kanter's Olympic Gold!
That's simply awesome. Just like you.
This night's song festival is called
'Time Of Noticing' and we all are asked when was the last time we noticed that Estonia is free.
This question would have hit the nailhead two weeks ago.
Because a lot of us had started to take
many things - our state, our freedom, our rights - for granted.
But now, after 10 days of appalling
news from Georgia we understand that freedom can not be taken for granted.
Freedom is not a simple word or
declaration you can laugh at.
Freedom needs to be cherished and protected every day.
Freedom expects us to notice what is
happening in the world.
It expects us to see us as a part of
this complicated and changing world.
Which means we have to take care of what is important and not let us be distracted by the unimportant.
To keep the freedom, we must notice
the people around us.
'How are you?', 'Can I do anything for you?' Let those caring everyday questions be heard more often.
Dear Estonian people. Right are the ones who thank for Estonia's freedom
our own belief, unity, intelligence and determination. We also have to thank our supporters all around the world.
Restoration of Estonia's freedom taught us the importance of friendship and noticing others.
40 years ago today, 20.08.1968 Czechoslovakia was left alone when foreign tanks entered Prague.
40 years later we didn't leave Georgia alone. And international pressure will force the foreign tanks to leave!
'No land is alone', we can proudly say again. But only if we have the courage
to stand up for our friends.
Dear people. We want Estonia to remain.
We can do it! We are strong if we keep together! We can do it if we avoid mistakes. Firstly, we have to always stay honest with ourselves. Secondly, we can't deceive ourselves with empty promises. And thirdly we can't think we live in a carefree and safe world.
If we avoid those three mistakes, Estonia has no reason to fear.
We believe in our future, we believe in ourselves.
We care about the people that live here.
We love Estonia!
We believe in freedom!
Long live Estonia!"

Category:

Music

Tags:

• estonia
• toomas
• hendrik
• ilves
• georgia
• kanter
• öölaulupidu
• 20.08.08
• freedom
• tallinn
• märkamisaeg
• estonian
• president
• speech

[ilves42]

Dear Mr. President

I am proud of you. You have our support. God grant you wisdom and health in your pursuit to keep Estonia free and strong. God keep you safe.

Long Live ESTONIA!!!!!!!!!!!

[ilves42]

Yes, Estonia is a great country. It is also the country of my birth. Communism is the reason I am in the USA. Look at my last name. It will tell you more about me

[RorretheerroR]

Kinda awesome.. My name Is Ilves too! <3

[MrDenis967]

Я за Ильвеса!Я немноооожко понял

[MrDenis967]

Я за Ильвеса!

[tykvun]

I don't understand well, but at least I realized he spoke about Czechoslovakia and the 1968 invasion. Be always aware of those who are powerful, Eestlased;-)

[ShemsuHor]

Kiida lolli ja loll teeb, nagu näha on loll palju.

[Kristian2403]

Sorry guys but I'm a bit sceptical about Ilves. His American accent is annoying when he speaks English. And when he speaks Estonian reminds me of Brezhnev. ))) But fairplay to him. I'm half Estonian, grew up in Estonia, but do not speak Estonian, so I guess Ilves deserves some credit.

[ESTONIANcoast]

President Ilves is best Northern president!

[sooviktr]

meie president on parim :)

voimas :)

[DrainPit]

Ilves is a mother fucjer

[sibriidio]

he's a total woos