Please note that all quotes are paraphrased.

“Understand that our freedom, that brightest white ship, that we awaited for 700 years, then another 50 years, is also the freedom to go, freely go, wherever desired.” Avowed President Ilves at the New Year and added: “We are not at fault that we are free. If free, then free to go and come.”

Historically Estonia has often been left. Left at bad and good times, and today’s leavings that are much discussed are, from a historical perspective, not exceptions.

The poet August Sang wrote in 1934:

“If you soar in moderation you’ll always be fed.
Some who flew have had their likeness poured in bronze.

If you seek too high an ideal you’ll whither,
starve or travel to foreign lands.”

“there’s the rub…” said Hamlet … but let’s leave that prince in Denmark, which in Shakespeare’s estimation was on par with compost but a destination nonetheless for Estonians in the early part of the last century. Witness to that the creation of an “Eesti Kodu” society in Copenhagen.

In 1934 aboard a ship from Tallinn was a man named Ludwig Juht, known as the world’s finest contrabass player of his time and also a founding father of the Boston Estonian Society. A year later, in 1935, Ludwig wrote his first commentary to the Latvian newspaper “Jaunakas Sinas” (the letter also appeared the same year in volume #33 of “Postimees”.)

“…Boston’s Symphony Orchestra is considered the most famous in the world today. It is difficult to gain entry to that group. I am one of those fortunate musicians who can be considered that orchestra’s soloist. I had but ninety cents in my pocket as I disembarked in America, yet now I can look back with thanks and say that all that I have was given to me by my contrabass. I see now that the trip to America has been well worth the effort. The orchestra established 54 years ago consists of the world’s finest musicians, and is well funded. More than half of the members own their own home, summer houses and almost all have wonderful automobiles. On summer breaks they travel to South America, Italy and elsewhere. It is truly remarkable that one can be recompensed in direct relation to their work efforts. All 120 members have vested pensions. If one has participated for 10 years they have the choice of retiring, barring that, they receive $1,000 per year with the surviving spouse and minor children receiving half that amount. In addition the “society” has insured each member so that the families are not left without resources. There is comparatively little work right now, four rehearsals and two or three concerts each week. My salary is still small, only $110 per week but this is to increase next year…”

From this “accounting” can be read the clear joy and idealism in Ludwig, along with pride that his talent has finally been acknowledged and secured him a place on the world stage. At the same time Ludwig cannot avoid noting the material status that goes along with this ideal landscape of his career. (Note: in 1934 houses in America were selling for approximately $6,000; an average yearly salary was approximately $1,600; rent $20 monthly; and a Studebaker car $625 with gasoline 10cents per gallon.)

“Ideal” is not an Estonian word, but borrowed as many others have been. Indeed its idiomatic definition is closer to “dream” for those who dare to aspire to great heights, and not just in today’s world.

“Understand that our freedom, that brightest of white ships…” mused the President in his New Years’ greeting “… “which we awaited for 700 years, then another 50 years…” is truly the history of our people and I myself as the child of the Occupation remember. That dream, “ideal” if you wish, was to renew Estonian life from the diaspora. I remember sitting at the edge of the sea from time to time, yearningly looking out for that white ship that didn’t come.”

Estonian freedom lived within the Estonian soul which wove a cloth of dreams upon the black soil of the nation. Who of us (old enough to remember) doesn’t recall Estonia’s struggle to new independence, the glow of which reached across the pond to us here. Many surely remember those ideals held as they left Estonia and now dream of returning with the whisper of the gentle breezes of freedom in their hearts. Our President exemplifies such a return.

But why now, 20 years later is there such an exodus, freely, wherever they want to go. To believe the poet “If you soar high you’ll always be fed…” and if things go well, they might even pour a bronze bust in your honor to be admired by tourists.

Does the ‘fault’ lie with the enticements of foreign lands that appeal to novice travelers or is it a forgotten belief, hope and love of homeland?

Do they leave in order to be able to return somewhere or do they simply leave?

Unfortunately we do not know, nor shall we, what path Ludwig Juht would find if the war had not stolen freedom from Estonia. We do know that there was much love in his heart for his homeland and its people along with the hope he shared with others through his contrabass.

Will Spring reach those who partake of today’s exodus and find at the end of life’s lessons that they repeat the final scene from Oskar Luts’ “Spring” as Arno looks into the distance at all that beckons and says :” Yes… I don’t know…home…” “What you have a home?” “Flowers, fields, sunshine … hurry Mart, home! Look what a beautiful day!”

With that thought I close. Lord willing and the creek don’t rise, then we shall meet in the future, to gather again in society to welcome newcomers. For those who did not attend BES Christmas celebration – neither I nor many other “old-timers” have seen so many young and new faces as appeared that day. Welcome!

Wishing everyone a continuing Happy New Year!

Villu
January 2012