''Estonia has every reason to thank you as you, with your great personal commitment, have helped to regain Estonia for Europe. There were times when Estonia had no embassy in Belgium. You were the one who offered his hospitality to our foreign mission. You did it prompted by your friendly heart, and quite unselfishly. Later on, through your activities in the Baltic-German Cultural Society and the Estonian Society of Archivists, you have promoted the German-Estonian cultural relations. Your writings about Estonia testify unambiguously to your great affection for Estonia,'' the President recognized the services of Volker von Buxhoeveden.
Volker von Buxhoeveden descends from a family famous in Livonia and Estonia having been connected with our region already for many centuries. The fresh honoree has co-published several books featuring Estonia, designed exhibitions of and written articles about Estonia for the world's leading travel magazines. As he said in his words of thanks to the President today, he had done all this in keeping with his family traditions.
''For me, there can be no higher honour than the Order of the Cross of Terra Mariana,'' Baron von Buxhoeveden assured referring to the activities of his ancestor, Bishop Albert. ''And so, here today, we have come full circle reaching from the Middle Ages to the present times.''
Baron Volker von Buxhoeveden was born in 1941 at Litzmannstadt, Germany. In 1966, after having studied art at the Universities of Kiel and Hamburg, he obtained a degree in design and graphic art. Since 1974 he works as a freelance artist and is a co-owner of the Belgian firm Esticom co-operating with Estonian enterprises.
Press Service of the Office of the President
Kadriorg, June 20, 2002
