[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 105 (Tuesday, July 8, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1119]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             IN HONOR OF ESTONIA'S SONG AND DANCE FESTIVAL

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. WILLIAM R. KEATING

                            of massachusetts

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, July 8, 2014

  Mr. KEATING. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the people of 
Estonia who from July 4 to 6 completed their remarkable Song and Dance 
Festival in the capital of Tallinn. The festival, which takes place 
once every five years and attracts roughly 100,000 visitors and 
participants, is a cornerstone of Estonian cultural tradition and has 
been named one of UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage events. It is 
something the Estonian people, and indeed the entire Baltic region, 
should be rightly proud of.
   Such celebrations of independence are particularly important during 
this time. We continue to support our friends in Estonia, and indeed 
our friends and allies in all of Europe, as they face the threat of 
increased Russian aggression. Now is as important a time as any for the 
U.S. to reaffirm its commitment to Estonia and the Baltic states.
   Mr. Speaker, the American people have a long and proud history of 
supporting Estonians as they rejected authoritarianism, gained their 
independence and built the vibrant, modern country they have today. 
Estonia has likewise been a great friend to the United States. I am 
certain that this relationship will continue far into the future. Once 
more, congratulations to all of Estonia on such a successful festival.

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