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President Ilves visits Vormsi Island

30.07.2010

The President, Toomas Hendrik Ilves, toured Vormsi Island today, where he took part in the Swedish Days and the events organised by the St. Olaf's congregation of Vormsi to celebrate the twentieth anniversary of the re-consecration of the church.

According to President Ilves, the restoration of St. Olaf’s Church twenty years ago serves as a symbol of the renewal of the cultural bonds and traditions of the island, following almost half a century of communist destruction. “Going against the flow and taking action are the only ways that help to defy the hostility and indignation of those who destroy. For this, courage and initiative are required,” President Ilves told.

The Estonian Head of State visited Vormsi Cemetery with its collection of round crosses, the Saxby lighthouse and museum, Vormsi farm museum in Svibys, Rälby village society and windmill, Mäe farm in Rumpo, and the Vormsi Mets company in Fällarna village, where the owner, Ivo Sarapuu, spoke about forest management on Vormsi island.

President Ilves also met with an Estonian Swede at his home in Norrby village; Oskar Friberg was born on Vormsi and has spent almost all his life there. The President also visited the Hold family from Kerslet village and Enn of Vormsi.

The President stated that the island can only be made into a better living environment if the community works together. “Being considerate of each other, being united over important issues, and having a good community spirit will help the island to grow and develop,” the Estonian Head of State added.

Photo: President Toomas Hendrik Ilves and Estonian Swede, Oskar Friberg.

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