Yesterday, our school and kindergarten celebrated the Estonian Independence Day. All parents, teachers and children met at the school house to sing and enjoy the moment together. As is tradition, the students showed Estonian dances they had learned while others were singing the songs for the dances. After the concert, there was hot tea and the Estonian traditional sweet bread Kringel. But before that, our principal Kristi adressed everyone in her speech.
For those who couldn’t attend the event, you can find the speech here:
“Mu isamaa, mu õnn ja rõõm,
kui kaunis oled sa!
My native land, my joy – delight,
How fair thou art – how bright!
These are the first lines of the song that was adopted as the national anthem of the Republic of Estonia in 1920 after the War of Independence and again in 1990 before the restoration of independence. The lyrics were written by Johann Voldemar Jannsen and are set to a melody composed by Fredrik Pacius.
The anthem is one of the most important symbols of a country next to its flag. The Estonian anthem praises the beauty and strength of Estonia and the people who live in this beautiful country.
There are more than 20 countries presented at Tartu International School and Kindergarten. Take a moment to think about your national anthems – you will probably recognize that they carry a similar message – love for and pride in our homelands. When there are difficult times, the symbols and traditions help us. They help us to remember what is important, they help us to feel that we belong. And this does not only go for the symbols of the countries, but also for the symbols and traditions of our families, schools, towns and villages.
Su üle jumal valvaku,
Mu armas isamaa
May God in Heaven thee defend,
My own, my dearest land!
Today, more than ever, we think about peace, cooperation and unity.
Today, more than ever I feel how important it is for us as a community to stay committed to growing knowledgeable, caring, tolerant and cooperative young people. To stay committed to growing young people who are the best for the world. The best for the world to solve challenges, to care and to cooperate.
Dear ladies and gentlemen, dear boys and girls – congratulations on the 104th birthday of the Estonian Republic!
Long live Estonia! Elagu Eesti!”
