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The President of the Republic at the ceremony "Estonia Thanks" presenting Baron Volker von Buxhoeveden with the V Class Order of the Cross of Terra Mariana on June 20, 2002, at Kadriorg20.06.2002
Honourable Baron von Buxhoeveden,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
I am pleased to welcome you here at Kadriorg, in this building containing a piece of Estonian history. The history is given to us just like it is and it is incumbent on us to learn from it. We must know how to assess the complicated course and challenges of history. You are descended from a famous onetime Livonian-Estonian family. The attitude of Estonians to the Baltic-German society and culture has been ambiguous. However, we can be sure about one thing: we have jointly contributed to the creation of Europe as a historical entity.
Dear Baron! Estonia has every reason to thank you as you, with your great personal commitment, have helped to regain Estonia for Europe. There were times when Estonia had no embassy in Belgium. You were the one who offered his hospitality to our foreign mission. You did it prompted by your friendly heart, and quite unselfishly. Later on, through your activities in the Baltic-German Cultural Society and the Estonian Society of Archivists, you have promoted the German-Estonian cultural relations. Your writings about Estonia testify unambiguously to your great affection for Estonia.
Your family has been linked to our region already for many centuries. You have several identities, but I still believe that you can with certainty claim to be also an Estonian: "Ich bin ein Estländer!" Estonia honours your friendship and commitment. Estonia thanks you.
Permit me to present you with the V Class Order of the Cross of Terra Mariana.
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