President Lennart Meri sent a welcoming address to the participants of the Sixth Estonian Jamboree of Scouts and Guides.

President wished the participants nice camping days at Tagametsa in Järvamaa. As the President said, the Sixth Jamboree's beautiful name ''Forest Book 1998'' and the beautiful site chosen for the camp will help the scouts and guides to read the great book of Estonian nature. ''The pages of the ''Forest Book'' tell us first and foremost about the nature of our home country – the nature that has protected and nurtured the Estonians and sheltered them at times of danger. The ''Forest Book'' will tell you about the constancy of nature, the heat of campfires, and above all, the main principle of camping: by joint action, even the greatest hardships will be overcome,'' the Head of State wrote in his address.

The President also wrote that the ten winners of the camping competition and two journalists will receive a beautiful voyage around Naissaar on board the mine vessel ''Olev'' of the Estonian Navy beginning on Monday, July 27, at 11 AM as a prize from the Republic of Estonia. ''In this prize, I hope you will recognize the beauty of the Estonian nature and our readiness to defend this beauty when necessary,'' the President wrote.

The President's address was delivered to the campers by the artist Ants Viidalepp. The President reminded the Scouts and Guides who had gathered to Tagametsa from all the world that they were also competing in learning the first commandment of Scouts and Guides: each for all, all for each!


Press Service of the Office of the President
Kadriorg, July 20, 1998

back | archive of press releases | main page