Ninth Memorial Day
June 18 1950
EDMONTON
ESTONIA
LATVIA
LITHUANIA
1941
Program
O Canada
Introduction ……Chairman Dr. Davidenas Dovydenas
Guest Speakers:
His Excellency Most Reverend J. H. MacDonald, D.D.
Archbishop of Edmonton
Rev. A. Vikman
Minister of Augustana Lutheran Church
Vocal Chorus:
Musical Selections by Augustana Lutheran 'Church Choir
Government Representatives - City of Edmonton
Addresses by the Presidents of the Estonian, Latvian,
Lithuanian Societies in native language with translations
Musical Performance:
Solo - "Prayer" (F: Hiller) ….. Mr. A. Kurmins
SoIo - "Folksong" ….............. Mr. A. Kurmins
Accompanist: Miss Ruth Thoms
Closing Address ….. Dr. Davidenas Dovydenas
God Save the King
Scene decorating and Art Director: Prof. Alex Shepetys (Lithuania)
Established from time immemorial on the shores of the Baltic Sea there were three -independent democratic states: Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania. Their people lived in freedom and happiness. Profoundly attached to the ideals of peace, social and cultural progress, the Baltic Republics had become an e1ement of a political stability, indispensable in Northeastern Europe. Although closeiy collaborating among themse1lves, they have at the same time been anxious to entertain friendly relations with their great neighbours and have always endeavoured to be uselful members of the international community.
Nevertheless, when the policy of domination pursued by Germany pronounced a crisis in, Europe, the coalition formed between the Third Reich and the Soviet Union was fatal to the Baltic States. The Soviet Government proceeded to the liquidation of the independence of the Baltic States. In the middle of June, 1940, the Baltic States were occupied by Soviet troops in flagrant violation of international law and in spite of the treaties signed by the Soviet Union.
Although the first Soviet occupation of the Baltic States lasted only a year (1940-1941), incurable evils were let loose. Tens of thousands of Lithuanians, Latvians and Estonians were massacred. More than one hundred thousand persons were imprisoned. And then on the night of June 13 and 14, 1941 the scales at last fell from the eyes of all those who to that time refused to see the truth in its whole setting. During that night the Soviets mercilessly arrested men, women and children-newborn babies as well as aged people of more than 70 years-throughout all the Baltic States, drove them to the railway stations, locked them up in cattle cars and deported them 'to Siberia. Families were divided, husbands were separated from their wives, mothers from the children. The "enemies of the people"- farmers and factory workers as well as professional men were transported under indescribable conditions. Many died on the way. Relatives were not allowed to bring members of their own families.
No one can estimate the number of Balts deported, imprisoned and massacred up to the present time. There is no doubt, however, that more than ever before are on the way to forced labciur camps in Northern Russia. The ghostly night of June 13 to 14, 1941, was only the beginning of the brutally planned liquidation of the Baltic people.
Today, remembering those who were deported to Siberia, imprisoned, murdered and raped morally as well as physically, we are grateful to the Canadian people for giving uS a new home. Our sincere wish is to give all Canadians an understanding of the fat~ of displa'ced persons, warning 011 those who do not realize the devilish poison in the hands of communism.
Radio Broadcasts
Wednesday, June 14th, 1950
at 8:30 - 9:00 P.M.
at CFRN Station
EDMONTON
Broadcast Speaker: Dr. Helga Silvester. National Music and Addresses
by the Presidents of the Estonian, Lat,;,ian, Lithuanian Societies.
CHFA
Wednesday, June 14th, 1950
at 9:00 - 9:15 P.M.
Speaker: Dr. Davidenas Dovydenas
Sponsored by:
Estonian Society of Edmonton - Edmonton Latvian Society "Imanta"
Canadian Lithuanian Association, Edmonton Branch
