New York celebration -- 90th anniversary of Estonia's declaration of independence

Information about celebration in New York City of 90th Anniversary of Estonian Independence at the bottom of this post, can also be found here:

http://www.estonianhousenewyork.com/eng_events.php

Regarding the planned program, worth mentioning is that 'Isamaa ilu hoieldes' will be sung by the New York Estonian Mens' and Womens' Choruses, together with several 'guest performers'. It was hard not to get a little fired up practicing the song with the segakoor last Wednesday. May not turn out exactly like the version sung by Ivo Linna and co. at last summer's noorte laulupidu but if there is enough of a turnout should still be pretty cool. Here's a rough translation of the lyrics into English.

Also worth noting, for the first time ever (I think) the keynote speaker will be a non-Estonian-speaker.

Edward Lucas, of The Economist, will deliver the keynote address in English, real English, not the New York-accented stuff some of us are used to. Don't know what he plans on discussing, but I think it's safe to say his talk may be a little more exciting and current than keynote speeches of past Independence Day celebrations. With any luck it may even be something friends, spouses and significant others who are not of Estonian descent might also find appealing. Lucas's latest book, The New Cold War: Putin's Russia and the Threat to the West, is scheduled for release in the United States on Tuesday. I've reserved a copy at Borders; I hope there will be time to get it autographed on Saturday.


Estonian Independence Day Celebration
The New York Estonian Educational Society invites you to celebrate
The 90th Anniversary of Estonia’s Independence
Saturday, February 23, 2008

Formal program starting at 1 PM
The New York Community Church
28 East 35th Street (Park & Madison)
New York, NY
Admission: $10.-
Program Highlights:
Mr. Jaanus Kirikmäe – Consul General of Estonia in NY
Keynote Speaker: Mr. Edward Lucas – European Correspondent of “The Economist”
Kersti Ala-Murr & Jaak Lutsoja Musical Program
The NY Estonian Men’s and Women’s Chorus
The NY Estonian School Chorus
James & Maureen Tusty – Producers of “The Singing Revolution”

Following the Formal Program:
Dinner-Dance at the NY Estonian House
with “KIRSIAED” providing music