Admired and Respected Leader: The Late Lennart Meri, Beloved President by Many

🗓️ On March 29th, a special day is celebrated – the day Lennart Meri, an extraordinary man of honor and integrity, would have turned 95. Known as one of Estonia's founding fathers, this renowned statesman oversaw the post-occupation success story and commanded the utmost respect from the people whose formative years were during his presidency.

You see, I have a friend who shares Meri's birthday, and every year on this day, I seldom wish him a typical "happy birthday." Instead, I greet him with "Happy Lennart Meri's birthday." This level of admiration reflects the deep respect we hold for a true mensch like Meri.

In 1996, after Meri's re-election, I sent him a congratulatory email. I figured it'd never reach him, but miraculously, I received a warm reply from [email protected] – his personal email! Despite being buried under countless emails daily, this great man took the time to acknowledge a young supporter who crossed his inbox.

From all walks of life, people held Meri in high regard. There was no doubt that he stood as one of the most well-liked, respected politicians that post-occupation Estonia (and maybe pre-occupation Estonia too) had ever seen.

Toomas Hendrik Ilves, the former Estonian president, shares my sentiments. Ilves explains Meri's popularity among the Estonian people was due, in part, to his criticisms of the sitting government – something most politicians wouldn't dare to do but are often appreciated.

Marking the anniversary of Lennart Meri's birthday, one can't help but recall the significant role he played in Estonia's culture and foreign policy, shaping the lives of its people.
The Estonian embassy in Tallinn remains a testament to Meri's contributions, serving as a beacon of Estonia's independence and government's commitment to democracy.
Meri's foreign ministry dealt with various aspects of international politics, while maintaining a focus on the well-being and prosperity of the Estonian people.
Despite his prominent role in the general-news arena during his presidency, Meri remained a humble and approachable figure, communicating with his people in their native language.
Even today, his influence can be felt in the political landscape, as his legacy serves as a guiding light for future leaders in Estonia and beyond.
The Estonian government continues to honor Meri's memory, celebrating his birthday as a day of national importance and reflecting on the lessons he taught about integrity, honor, and the value of served independence.
As we commemorate the life and accomplishments of Lennart Meri, we can't help but feel inspired to uphold the values he stood for and strive for the unity and progress of our shared community.