Aloha Everyone,
We were watching a PBS special on what brought about Estonia's independence from the old Soviet Union. It is credited to the spontaneous singing of 300,000 Estonians in Tallinn, their country's capitol. To defy the Soviet Union, Estonians sang national songs and hymns which were strictly forbidden.
The Singing Revolution actually refers to a number of events that took place between 1987 and 1991. Eventually, this led to the restoration of the independence of all free small Baltic countries: Estonia, Lithuania and Latvia.
What is so admirable and incredible is that that singing of national songs and hymns were participated by approximately one third of Estonia's entire population!
As we watched the powerful, unforgettable faces of these brave Estonians linking hands and singing we can understand how ordinary citizens collective desires led to their. peaceful revolution.
During our sojourn in Hungary, we met some Estonians. They were all proud of their homeland and invited us to visit. J.J. and I are planning our future international travels. Estonia will be among our "must visit" places.
Aloha -- Cathi
