The sculpture of Forest Brother Ruuben Lambur sitting on a bench was installed in front of the Sõmeru community center in Rakvere Parish.
Ruuben Lambur, along with his wife Leida, was a frequent visitor to the Sõmeru house. They attended seniors’ gatherings, concerts, and dance parties there every Monday. The initiator of the sculpture, Peep Vassiljev, said, "Be positive and optimistic, and we will live longer and happier lives."
Sculptor Aivar Simson created the sculpture. For him, the most challenging parts were the crown of the head and the glasses. Simson said, "I liked that Ruuben used his hands when words ran out. Hands are good for conveying emotions."
Ruuben Lambur's daughter, Meret Oja, was pleased with the artwork. She said, "A bronze statue cannot be exactly like a person, but from certain angles, it very much resembles my father. Simson has captured the movement well, and this statue seems as if it is about to say something."
The unveiling of the sculpture marked the 100th anniversary of Ruuben Lambur's birth last spring.
Ruuben Lambur was born in Järvakandi on November 13, 1925. His birthday was long celebrated on March 13 because the documents had the wrong date.
In 1932, his family moved to the Peresaare settlement farm. In 1941, Ruuben fled to the forest to escape Soviet mobilization. He joined the Estonian Legion but was injured and left behind. This marked the beginning of his period as a Forest Brother from 1944 to 1947. Captured, he was sent to the Gulag camp, from which he was released in 1965.
Ruuben Lambur wrote about his life in the book "Alutaguse Saga." Based on the book, a musical documentary drama "The Last Forest Brother" was made in the theater.
Ruuben Lambur passed away in the spring of 2023. He is buried in Tõrma Cemetery, where a memorial stone was erected in his honor.