Subscribe Menu

Tribute to Liberty Gratefully Accepts Estonian Contribution

TORONTO- Tribute to Liberty is pleased to announce the contribution of the Estonian government's generous financial contribution of $25,000 towards the construction of the National Memorial to the Victims of communism - Canada a land of Refuge. The Arc of Memory, a sculptural array of bronze rods configured into a gigantic arc, created by Team Raff, is intended as a dynamic living calendar that would commemorate moments of suffering and injustice that eventually resolve into reflection and gratitude. This contribution stands as a meaningful tribute to the victims of Communism that have made Canada their home, including many of the over 24,000 Canadians of Estonian origin who call Canada home.
The Estonian community is very grateful for the initiative of Ambassador Gita Kalmet in urging the Estonian Government to financially support the Tribute to Liberty planned memorial to victims of communism to be installed in Ottawa - photo by Peeter Põldre (2017)

Canada never recognized the Soviet occupation of the Baltic states and was one of the first countries to recognize the restoration of Estonia's independence in 1991. In 2004, Canada was also the first NATO country to ratify Estonia's accession into the organization.

“The Government of Estonia recognizes and appreciates the refuge that Canada offered those who fled the Soviet occupation of Estonia,” said Estonian Ambassador Gita Kalmet. “We hope that our contribution will help ensure that the suffering that millions endured under communism, will never be forgotten in Canada.”

“The Estonian community in Canada is extremely grateful to Tribute to Liberty and the Government of Canada for recognizing and honoring the millions of Canadians whose families were traumatized by communist repression with this memorial and the generous and the important contribution, arranged by Ambassador Kalmet, by the Republic of Estonia towards building it” said Estonian Central Council in Canada President Marcus Kolga.

Once completed, the Memorial will serve to educate future generations of Canadians and other visitors to our nation's capital about the horrors of communist tyranny and ensure that its victims and crimes are never forgotten.

“This contribution by the Government of Estonia reinforces the importance of the initiative to build a National Memorial to the Victims of Communism”, said Ludwik Klimkowski, Chair of Tribute to Liberty. “Canada, our home, opened its arms to generation upon generation of people from around the world that came seeking refuge from the pain and suffering inflicted by evil communist regimes. We are grateful to the Estonian people and government for their substantial support.”

About Tribute to Liberty: Tribute to Liberty is a Canadian charitable organization, formed in 2008, whose mission is to establish a memorial in Canada’s National Capital Region to the victims of communism . It is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors who represent key ethno-cultural communities affected by communism.

Read more