Estonian Defence Forces Logistics Centre has sent Christmas greetings from children enrolled in Estonian language courses in Canada to Afghanistan.
“It has become a tradition that, every winter our school children have written letters to Estonian soldiers. We want to let our Defence Forces members know that even in far away Canada, Estonian children still care about them. We want Estonian soldiers to have confidence, mutual understanding and a peaceful Christmas,” said the chairwoman of the Toronto Estonian Supplementary School, Elle Rosenberg.
The Toronto Estonian Association has helped organize that over 30 Christmas cards have been made by the Toronto Estonian Supplementary School elementary and high school students. As of 2006, Estonian language students in Canada have been sending Christmas greetings to Estonian Defence Forces members serving in Afghanistan.
“Dear Estonian soldier! I thank you for defending my Estonia and the world. I wish you a Merry Christmas. I am very proud that I am also an Estonian boy!” proclaimed 8 year old Oliver in his letter. Genevieve, who lives in Toronto, wrote in her Christmas card: “I know that you have a difficult job and that you serve proudly. I could not do it because I would be afraid. But you are brave! Thank you for that!” As did the majority of the children, Genevieve asked the soldiers, if they could find the time to write back to them.
As of November the last Estonian contingent is serving in Afghanistan, commanded by Lieutenant Colonel Maidu Allikas. Major Viljar Laaneste is commanding the Infantry Company Estcoy-17 and the commander of the support element unit NSE-16 is led by Lieutenant Rodion Sorokin. The last infantry company will be returning home in the late fall of 2014. Support group units and staff officers are scheduled to serve in Afghanistan under the new NATO mandate after the forces drawdown completes next year.