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 | Speeches | | |
The President of the Republic at the reception for the best school leavers on June 21, 2002, at Kadriorg21.06.2002
Dear Young People,
Our meeting today here, at Kadriorg, is symbolic in many ways. Today is the summer solstice. Spring is turning into summer and one season is drawing to its close. Leaving school is a solstice too. You have received your school leaving certificates confirming that, henceforth, you yourselves decide and are responsible for your future steps.
As Estonia's Head of State I would like to thank in your person all teachers and students for having held education in honour.
Education, in the first place, is a matter of personal freedom. The more educated an individual, the bigger his chances to find his fulfilment. Yet, in case of our small nation, education is also a matter of freedom of society and state. Already our ancestors realized it in the 19th century sending their children to village, parish, or municipal schools. Not without reason did Oskar Luts entitle his school reminiscences "Kevade" (Spring). In addition to speaking of youth as spring of life, this book also speaks about spring of Estonian society. About times when everything was awakening, when one used to live daydreaming and hoping.
You too, have dreams and hopes in your minds. You embarked on your way to school in a Republic of Estonia already on the point of regaining its independence. You are the first really free generation in our country after World War II. You didn't need to share the anxiety of your parents for the fate of Estonia. Our Estonian state has grown and gained in prosperity together with you. Like you, our state has every reason to be proud of its achievements. Together we are bravely facing the future and meeting new challenges.
Actually just you, my dear young, are symbolizing this Estonia. So, let us be aware of how to keep it. For just like you are counting on possibilities of the Estonian state, we are counting on you to be capable of securing the future of our nation. Wherever you might be carried by your wings, don't you ever forget that it was here, in Estonia, where you embarked on your way to school, and that on this very spot you have read through the first essential chapters of your life-book.
Shortly before I was referring to school reminiscences of Oskar Luts. I think that, while giving to you my wishes for the future, it would be appropriate to remind you of him once more. Remember, what at Joosep Toots' wedding the pharmacist said to the young? He said: "Don't be afraid of life! Don't be afraid of efforts and pain! Don't be afraid of struggle - while struggling, your strength will be growing. It doesn`t matter if you sometimes fighting your way through life should lose - more important is that you won the battle against yourself. Then, one day, looking back at your active, fulfilled life, you will be aware of having done your utmost. Therefore, over all the hardships and dangers, keep advancing towards human magnitude and height! Three cheers for life!" That's what our popular writer has said.
And this very same - striving for human magnitude and height, this enthusiasm for life I would like to wish you today, on this most important day.
Good luck!
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