The Black Ribbon Day in Montreal, Saturday, August 23, 2014 was organized and hosted by Arunas Staskevicius, Honorary consul of Lithuania in Montreal. Silvija Staskevicius, president of the Lithuanian Canadian Community in Montreal opened the event and introduced a surprise visitor, the Honorable Jason Kenney, Minister of Multiculturalism. Present for the event held at the Lithuanian church were members of the following communities: Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Poland, Ukraine and Lithuania. Representatives, each in their own way, made reference to the events of 75 years ago that have caused us to come together this day and to pray for those who have died. This day 75 years ago marked the signing of the infamous Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact. It also marked the 25th anniversary of the Baltic Chain of Freedom. Pastor Kyllikki Pitts represented the Estonian community. Our sincere thanks to her. National anthems of each country were played by organist Aleksandras Stankevicius. |