Estonia 90

Celebration of the anniversary year of the Republic of Estonia to end today with a thank-you concert

Fri, 28 Nov 2008 00:00:00 +0200

Tallinn, Stenbock House, 28 November 2008 – Today, the celebrations of the 90th Anniversary of the Republic of Estonia will end with a festive ceremony at the Estonia Concert Hall. ETV will show a live broadcast of the event beginning at 19.00. President Toomas Hendrik Ilves will thank all of the people who have contributed to the success of the anniversary year across Estonia.

The people who have helped in organising the celebrations of the anniversary year of Estonia – from all counties, community centres, societies and associations, local governments, hobby and professional theatres – have been invited to the thank-you concert. The people who have assisted in the organisation of major national events such as the night-time song festival, the cleaning campaign “Let’s do it” or the concert series in Estonian parishes, have been invited as well.

Tonight, the choir piece “Loits Eestile” (“Incantation for Estonia”) by Urmas Sisask will be performed at the Estonia Concert Hall. It is one of the five novelty compositions that during the Estonian anniversary year have been dedicated, as musical presents, to the countries that have greatly assisted in the gaining or the restoration of the independence of Estonia.

The stage director of the festive thank-you concert concluding the anniversary year is Peeter Jalakas.

The anniversary year of the Republic of Estonia started last year on 28 November, when we celebrated the passing of 90 years from the decision of the democratically assembled Land Council to declare itself as the carrier of the highest power in Estonia. The celebrations of the anniversary year will end on the day when 90 years will have passed from the beginning of the War of Independence.

During the 90th Anniversary of the Republic of Estonia, the night-time song-festival “Time to Notice,” the citizen-initiative cleaning campaign “Let’s do it 2008,” the major exhibition “The will to be on our own” at the Estonian History Museum, the concert series “Invitation to a birthday – a festive concert in my parish,” the theatre project “Back to Vargamäe” and many concerts and performances have been held. In total, almost 1000 events were organised for celebrating the anniversary year of the Republic of Estonia, in addition to which the events held at schools, kindergartens, local governments and associations are added.

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Birthplace of statesman Heinrich Mark to be marked

Tue, 30 Sep 2008 00:00:00 +0300

Tallinn, Stenbock House, 30 September 2008 – On Wednesday, 1 October, a memorial stone will be dedicated in Põlva County, at the birthplace of Heinrich Mark, the Head of Government who acted as the President of the Republic of Estonia and was the State Secretary in exile. Today, 97 years will have passed from the birth of Heinrich Mark.

The dedication of the memorial stone at 14.00 at the Otsa Farm, Ihamaru Village, Kõlleste Rural Municipality will be attended by State Secretary Heiki Loot, Rural Municipality Mayor Andrus Seeme, Peeter Mark, Heinrich Mark’s son as the representative of the family, and Trivimi Velliste, Member of the Riigikogu and Chairman of the Konstantin Päts Museum. The memorial stone will be blessed by Margit Lail, the pastor of the Jaani congregation of the Estonian Evangelist Lutheran Church of Kanepi.

At the meeting to be held after the dedication of the memorial stone, members of the exile government of Heinrich Mark, Enno Penno and Peeter Luksep, member of the Riigikogu Urmas Reinsalu and Chairperson of the Karl Ristikivi Association and alumna of the Estonian Student’s Society Veljesto, Janika Kronberg, will speak.

Within the framework of the anniversary year of the Republic of Estonia, the State Chancellery has already marked the birthplace of August Rei in Järva County, the birthplace of Aleksander Warma at Viinistu, the birthplace of Otto Strandman in Kadrina Rural Municipality, the birthplace of Ado Birk in Tarvastu Rural Municipality and the birthplace of Jaan Teemant in Varbla Rural Municipality. The opening of the memorial stones serves to pay respect to our statesmen, the rural municipalities and towns that have given them to us, and to our history.

Heinrich Mark was the State Secretary of the exile government of the Republic of Estonia in the years 1953-1958. In 1971, Tõnis Kint, the Prime Minister acting as the President, appointed Mark as Deputy Prime Minister and the Minister of War. He remained in this position until 1990, when Mark became the Prime Minister acting as the President in exile. On 6 October 1992, Heinrich Mark conferred powers to the newly formed government of the Republic of Estonia and President Lennart Meri.

Heinrich Mark was born on 1 October 1911, on the Otsa Farm, Kõlleste Rural Municipality, Võru County. He was educated at Võru and Tartu Teacher Training Colleges. From 1933-1938, he studied in the faculty of law at the University of Tartu. After that, he worked as a primary school teacher for two years. In 1940, he was an assistant to attorney at law Peeter Sepp in Tartu; from 1941-1943, assistant to an attorney at law in Tallinn.

After the occupation of Estonia in 1940, he worked as a secretary at the University of Tartu for a short while. In 1940, Mark ran as an opposing candidate of the Estonian Working People’s Union at the elections of the Riigikogu, but was removed from the list of candidates. 1943. In 1943, he escaped to Finland, where he was one of the organisers of the Estonian Office and assistant to the editor-in-chief of the newspaper “Malevlane”. In 1944, Mark moved to Sweden, where he served as assistant to the Foreigners Commission.

Heinrich Mark died on 2 August 2004. His ashes are scattered in the sacred commemoration grove at Stockholm Forest Cemetery. In Estonia, the only memorial plaque to Heinrich Mark is the family memorial stone at Kanepi cemetery.

Read more about the biography of Mark at:
http://www.president.ee/en/estonia/heads.php?gid=81981
http://www.riigikantselei.ee/?id=462

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The birthplace of the Head of State Jaan Teemant will be marked

Tue, 23 Sep 2008 00:00:00 +0300

Tallinn, Stenbock House, 23 September 2008 – On Wednesday, 24 September, a memorial stone will be dedicated at the birthplace of the Head of State Jaan Teemant, in Pärnu County.

At the dedication of the memorial stone in Paatsalu Village, Varbla Rural Municipality, at 14.00, President Arnold Rüütel, State Secretary Heiki Loot, Varbla Rural Municipality Mayor Sivar Tõnisson, and the representative of the family, Mari Adler, will speak.

At the gathering following the dedication of the memorial stone at the Varbla culture centre, Jaan Teemant will be recalled as a lawyer, statesman, prosecutor and citizen, by Professor Peeter Järvelaid, Chief Public Prosecutor Norman Aas and Kaire Veeroja, the researcher of the family tree of Jaan Teemant.

24 September is the 136th anniversary of the birth of Jaan Teemant. Jaan Teemant was born on 24 September 1872, in Illuste, in Lääne County. His childhood, however, passed in Kohila Rural Municipality, in the present Priidiku-Teemanti farm, which will also be marked with a memorial stone.

Jaan Teemant was the Head of State from 15 December 1925 to 9 December 1927 and from 19 February to 19 July 1932.

Teemant was also a member of the Estonian Province Assembly and the Constituent Assembly and was the Prosecutor of the Republic of Estonia.

In the anniversary year of the Republic of Estonia, the State Chancellery will mark the birthplaces of the Estonian heads of state which have not been marked yet. Earlier during the anniversary year, the birthplace of the Head of State August Rei, in Pilistvere, the birthplace of Aleksander Warma, the Prime Minister acting as the President in exile, at Viinistu, the birthplace of the Prime Minister and Head of State Otto Strandman in Kadrina Rural Municipality, Vandu Village, and the birthplace of the Chairman of the Estonian Province Assembly and Prime Minister Ado Birk, in Tarvastu Rural Municipality, Mõnnaste Village have been marked.

Read more about the biography of Jaan Teemant at: http://www.president.ee/en/estonia/heads.php?gid=81969

Riina Soobik
Government Communications Office
Tel: +37253400736, 6935950
E-mail: riina.soobik@riigikantselei.ee

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Jüri Uluots, Prime Minister who acted as President, will be buried at Kirbla at the end of August

Mon, 25 Aug 2008 00:00:00 +0300

Tallinn, Stenbock House, 25 August 2008 – Sunday, 31 August, Jüri Uluots, the Prime Minister who acted as the President (1890-1945), and the remains of his family, will be buried in their homeland in Lääne County, Kirbla Cemetery.
The ashes of Jüri Uluots will be buried in the soil of his homeland, in the Month of Exile, Resistance and Restoration of Independence, in the anniversary year of the Republic of Estonia.

The ceremony at Kirbla church will begin at 12.00. This will be followed by the inhumation of Jüri Uluots and his wife Anette and son Erik, with honours, at Kirbla Cemetery, the burial ground of the Uluots family.

The reburial ceremony of Jüri Uluots, the Prime Minister who acted as President in exile will be attended by Toomas Hendrik Ilves, the President of the Republic of Estonia, Prime Minister Andrus Ansip, members of the students association Rotalia, close relatives and current holders of the former positions held by Uluots.

The remains of Jüri Uluots, his wife and son were exhumed from the Stockholm Forest Cemetery and brought to Estonia on 13 May of this year.

Jüri Uluots was the Prime Minister of the Republic of Estonia beginning in 1939 and acted as the President from 1940 until his death in 1945, after which August Rei became the Prime Minister acting as the President of the Republic of Estonia in exile.

In 1944, Uluots appointed Otto Tief as the Prime Minister of the Republic of Estonia and gave him a task to form the government of the republic, which laid the groundwork for the continuance of the independence of the Estonian State in exile.

The biography and historical photos of Jüri Uluots can be viewed at the memorial website: www.riik.ee/uluots

NOTE! We ask editorial boards to inform us of the wish to cover the event by 29 August at 12.00 at the latest, as there is only limited space in the church and at the cemetery.

Sincerely,
Riina Soobik
Government Communications Office
693 5950, 53 400 736

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The 90th Anniversary of the Republic of Estonia to conclude with a thank-you concert

Fri, 15 Aug 2008 00:00:00 +0300

Stenbock House, Tallinn,
15 August 2008

The Governmental Committee for coordinating the preparation for and organisation of the celebration of the 90th Anniversary of the Republic of Estonia (the EV 90 Governmental Committee), which assembled today, discussed issues related to the concluding of the Anniversary Year. As we know, the Anniversary Year lasts until 28 November, which marks 90 years since the first battles of the War of Independence.

The EV90 Anniversary Year will conclude with a thank-you concert in Tallinn, at the Estonia Concert Hall, where the Estonian people will enjoy musical gifts, which Estonia has given during the Anniversary Year, to those countries which have played an important role in consolidating our independence.

The thank-you concert is meant as an expression of gratitude for the people who have contributed to the celebration of the Anniversary Year. They include the organisers of events from public and private institutions, representatives of local governments and the non-profit sector from all over Estonia – actually the entire jointly built state. The objective is for the concert to be broadcast on the channels of ETV (Estonian Television) and Klassikaraadio (Estonian Classical Radio).

The need for a separate decision regarding the concluding of the Anniversary Year of the Republic of Estonia resulted from the postponing of the construction of the victory monument for the War of Independence, the unveiling of which had originally been planned as an event to mark the 90-year anniversary of the first battle of the War of Independence, as well as the end of the 90th Anniversary of the Republic of Estonia.

Estonia has presented musical gifts to Sweden, Iceland, Great Britain, Finland and Denmark. These are new creations, which have been written by Estonian composers to commemorate the anniversary of the Republic of Estonia and have been performed by our top musical performers.

The concert production is funded from the budget of the Anniversary Year of the Republic of Estonia.

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The night-time song festival will last into the early morning hours of the Day of Restoration of Independence

Tue, 12 Aug 2008 00:00:00 +0300

12 August 2008 - In a week, on the eve of the Day of Restoration of Independence, the night-time song festival “Time to Notice” (“Märkamisaeg“) will take place on the Tallinn Song Festival Grounds. “Time to Notice” is one of the major events of the 90th Anniversary of the Republic of Estonia. August, which is supervised by the Ministry of Culture, is the Month of Exile, Resistance and Restoration of Independence in the anniversary year calendar. The song night, between 19 and 20 August, allows us to worthily and in a dignified manner celebrate the passing of 20 years from the first night-time song festivals, as well as the Day of Restoration of Independence.

132 choirs with a total of more than 3000 singers have registered for the night-time song festival. Among others, the list includes most of our student choirs, the Estonian National Male Choir, Ellerhein, Noorus, ETV Girls and Youth Choir as well as Suisapäisa, the choir from Türi that became the favourite of people in the TV show “Laululahing” (“The Battle of the Choirs“). Visitors from further away are the European Choir of Estonians and the Belgian Estonian Choir “Beene”.
The programme of “Time to Notice” is built on a musical-historical axis. During the song night, songs ranging from runic songs to the most beautiful and beloved choir songs (“Dawn“, “My Fatherland Thou Are My Love”, “The Song of the Nordic Land”, “Time of Awakening”, etc.), decades-old patriotic hit songs (“Five Patriotic Songs”, “No Land Stands Alone”) to punk songs and the creations of current young composers-soloists, can be heard. The song selection is embellished with photo and film material of the most important events in the history of our nation, which will be projected on screens. The participants in the night-time song festival will be greeted by President Toomas-Hendrik Ilves.

Even though there will be no border between the people on the stage and the audience at the nigh-time song festival, a presentable circle of creative people will help to keep uniform breathing: actors from the play “The Estonian Thing”; in addition, Rain Simmul, Ivo Linna, Peeter Kaljumäe, Voldemar Kuslap, Toomas Lunge, Jaan Elgula, Tõnis Mägi, Riho Sibul, Jaak Tuksam, Jaak Johanson, Tõnu Tepandi, Peeter Volkonski; the veterans of the punk movement Villu Tamme and Tõnu Trubetsky; soloists of the younger generation Liisi Koikson, Gerli Padar, Laura Põldvere, Lenna Kuurmaa, Hannaliisa Uusmaa and Koit Toome. Orchestras are represented by the Estonian National Symphony Orchestra and the brass instrument orchestra “Õnn tuli õuele” from Audru Rural Municipality; representing bands are Kiigelaulukuuik, Lindpriid, Ruja, Metsatöll and the Anti Kammiste band.

Manning the conductor’s podium to keep the movement of melody and the rhythm of the songs will be Eri Klas, Tõnu Kaljuste, Tiia-Ester Loitme, Laine Jänes, Aarne Saluveer, Ants Üleoja, Jüri-Ruut Kangur, Mihhail Gerts, and Jüri Alperten.

No alcohol will be sold at the night-time song festival. Catering will be provided on the spot, but you can also bring your own picnic basket along. Spectators should definitely dress according to the weather of August nights (a plaid, a board for sitting, etc.) so that the humidity and coolness would not force one go home in the middle of the party. A rain cape should be taken along, as other co-singers would be unable to see the stage from behind umbrellas.

The song night will begin in the evening at 21.00 and last until 03.00 in the early morning. The event will be broadcast and preserved till the end of time by the Estonian Public Broadcasting.

The song night will be organised by the foundation Eesti Teatri Festival in cooperation with the Pärnu Philharmonic, Estonian Public Broadcasting and AS Postimees. See more on the web page: http://oolaulupidu.postimees.ee .

“They have been wondering elsewhere how we do it here. That we just decide and join hands and sing “the sun out of the clouds”! Even if the “cloud” does not want to. Especially when the “cloud” does not want to,” says Margus Kasterpalu, producer of the song night. “When did you last notice that…?”

Ülle Jantson
Press agent of the night-time song festival “Time to Notice”
442 6782 / 516 3133
ylle@parnufilharmoonia.ee

Additional information:
Margus Kasterpalu – producer, main organiser
margus@festival.ee , 510 6171

Kaija Pruel – programme, choirs
kaija@parnufilharmoonia.ee , 5563 4407

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The supermarket chain Selver will begin selling souvenirs bearing the insignia of the jubilee year commemorating the 90th Anniversary of the Republic of Estonia

Thu, 31 Jul 2008 00:00:00 +0300

]]>Tallinn, Stenbock House, July 31, 2008 – As of 1 August, the supermarket chain Selver will begin selling souvenirs bearing the insignia of the jubilee year commemorating the 90^th Anniversary of the Republic of Estonia. The souvenirs will be available at 11 Selver stores in Tallinn, Pärnu, Rakvere and Saaremaa.

“I am pleased that Selver was granted the right to sell souvenirs bearing the insignia of the jubilee year, because, as a company based on Estonian capital, Selver has always stressed Estonian origins in its product range by highlighting and, when possible, preferring domestic products,” said Andres Heinver, the purchasing and production manager of A-Selver AS. “By selling jubilee souvenirs at Selver, we can both demonstrate our loyalty and inspire it from our customers during the celebrations of the anniversary of our republic. At the same time, our customers can recommend Selver to their foreign visitors as the place where they can buy jubilee souvenirs.” Andres Heinver noted that different Selver stores are going to sell a slightly different product range, which is going to depend on the size and possibilities of the specific supermarket. “Nevertheless, we hope that all people who are interested in the souvenirs of jubilee year can find a suitable one for themselves. The souvenirs bearing the insignia of the jubilee year are going to be sold at eleven different Selver stores: at Kadaka, Järve, Tondi, Torupilli, Merimetsa, Pirita and Mustakivi Selver in Tallinn, at Suurejäe and ÜlejõeSelver in Pärnu, at Saare Selver in Kuresaare and at Krooni Selver in Rakvere,” he added.

The souvenirs of the jubilee year will arrive at the various Selver stores as a result of cooperation between the working group for the celebrations of the jubilee year, the design studio Velvet, which won the contest for designing the insignia of the jubilee year, and A-Selver AS.

Until now, the souvenirs of the jubilee year have been available in bulk from www.eesti90.ee (the website of the jubilee year) and the design studio Velvet, which designed the insignia. A smaller assortment of the souvenirs commemorating the jubilee year are being sold at Kodukäsitöö shops on Pikk St 22 and 15 and at Viru Keskus in Tallinn. Marat shops are selling T-shirts bearing the insignia of jubilee year and in cooperation with Marat also other supermarkets besides Selver.

Further information:

Andres Heinver
A-Selver AS Purchasing and Production Manager
Tel: +372 667 3800; E-mail: andres.heinver@selver.eu

Mart Lankots
Project manager and partner at Velvet creative Alliance
Tel: +372 5645 6777

The first postage stamp of the stamp lot of Heads of State of Estonia has been completed

Thu, 8 May 2008 00:00:00 +0300

Tallinn, Stenbock House, 8 May 2008 – On Friday, 9 May, in the Hall of Heads of State of the Stenbock House, the State Chancellery and Estonian Post will jointly present a postage stamp dedicated to Head of State Otto Strandman. The stamp of Strandman will launch a postage stamp lot entitled “Heads of State of the Republic of Estonia 1918-2018”. In the course of the issuance of lot, postage stamps for all the Heads of State of Estonia in the first century of Estonia’s independence will be released by the 100th anniversary of the Republic of Estonia.

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Otto Strandman was Prime Minister from 9 May 1919 to 18 November 1919, and the Head of State from 9 July 1929 to 12 February 1931. On the day of the presentation of the stamp, 89 years will have passed since Strandman took office as the Prime Minister of the Republic of Estonia. Prime Minister Andrus Ansip will also participate in the presentation of the postage stamp. At the presentation, interested persons can obliterate the new postage stamp with the stamp of the first date.

The nominal value of the postage stamp dedicated to Strandman is EEK 5.50, the print run of the postage stamp is 140 000. The designer of the whole stamp lot is artist Lembit Lõhmus.

Dear journalists,
You are welcome to the presentation of Otto Strandman postage stamp in the Hall of Heads of State of Stenbock House on 9 May at 11:00 a.m.
In order to be accredited, please send an email to press@riik.ee or call 693 5950.

The biographical data regarding Otto Strandman can be found on the website of the President of the Republic: http://www.president.ee/et/vabariik/riigipead.php?gid=81954
You can find more detailed information of his biography and role in the history of Estonia in the Yearbook 2005 of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Estonia: http://web-static.vm.ee/static/failid/101/Otto_Strandman.pdf
It is also possible to listen to a programme of the series of Stories of Estonia in Vikerraadio where historians Jaak Valge and Ago Pajur speak about Strandman. http://www.vikerraadio.ee/helid?main_id=892411

You can find a postage stamp with a printable resolution at: http://www.post.ee/px_custom/product_img/img_7582.jpg

Yours faithfully,

Riina Soobik
Government Communication Office
Phone: 693 5950
Mobile: 53400736

Inge Suder
AS Eesti Post
Press representative
Phone: 625 7292
Mobile: 50 39908

Awareness of the celebrations of the anniversary year of the Republic of Estonia has increased

Thu, 13 Mar 2008 00:00:00 +0200

Tallinn, Stenbock House, 13 March 2008 – 65 percent of the five hundred inhabitants of Estonia aged 15-74 consider themselves as being aware of the celebrations of the anniversary year of the Republic of Estonia. This involves 73 percent of Estonians and 45 percent from other nationalities.
It is a remarkable increase compared to the initial survey conducted in December 2007, when the same ratios were 57 percent among Estonians and 34 percent among other nationalities.

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Awareness of the celebrations of the anniversary year has abruptly increased among the young, of whom 60 percent of respondents considered themselves as sufficiently or well informed. In December, this number was 35 percent. Awareness among older people has also increased – from 62 percent to 79 percent.

Awareness of the existence of the web page www.eesti90.ee has also increased by almost one half, and the number of visitors to the page has increased.

The motto of the anniversary year – “A country built together” – creates positive emotions in a majority of the respondents.
75 percent of the respondents have a positive attitude towards the motto of the anniversary year, 82 percent of whom are Estonians and 60 percent other nationalities.

On 3-6 March, an Omnibus method survey was conducted by TNS Emor by telephone, involving 501 residents of Estonia aged 15-74. The survey was ordered by the State Chancellery.
The survey can be viewed at: http://www.riigikantselei.ee/?id=372

On Sunday Eesti Pank presented new collector coins dedicated to the 90th anniversary of the Republic of Estonia

Wed, 27 Feb 2008 00:00:00 +0200

On Sunday, February 24 Eesti Pank presented collector coins issued to celebrate the 90th anniversary of the Republic of Estonia. The presentation and sale of the coins took place in the Independence Hall of Eesti Pank (Estonia pst 13). The event was open for both journalists and townspeople.

The collector coin set dedicated to the 90th anniversary of the republic includes a silver, a gold and a platinum coin. The coins were minted by the Mint of Finland.

]]>The nominal value of the silver coin designed by Heino Prunsvelt is ten kroons. The averse of the silver coin displays the coat of arms of the Republic of Estonia, the text "EESTI VABARIIK" and the year of issue 2008. The reverse depicts the “Wiiralt oak” and the nominal value “10 KROONI”. The alloy symbol Ag 999 has been engraved on the coin edge. The maximum mintage of the Proof quality pure silver coins (weight 28.28 g) is 10,000. One coin costs 300 kroons.

The nominal value of the gold coin designed by Jaano Ester is fifty kroons. The averse of the coin bears Estonia’s national coat of arms, the logo of the 90th anniversary of the Republic of Estonia, and the year of issue 2008. The reverse depicts a windmill and the nominal value “50 KROONI”. The alloy symbol Au 999 has been engraved on the coin edge. The pure gold coin is of Proof Like quality and it weighs 8.64 grams. The maximum mintage of the coins is 5,000 and one coin costs 3,500 kroons.

The nominal value of the platinum coin designed by Tiit Jürna is a hundred kroons. This is the first time a platinum collector coin has been issued in Estonia. The averse of the platinum coin carries Estonia’s national coat of arms and the year of issue 2008. The reverse depicts barn swallows, Estonian national birds, and the nominal value "100 KROONI". The alloy symbol Pt 999 has been engraved on the coin edge. The pure platinum coin is of Brilliant Uncirculated quality and it weighs 7.775 grams. The maximum mintage of the platinum coins is 3,000 and one coin costs 6,000 kroons.

The collector coins can be purchased both by sets and individually. One set costs 11,000 kroons. It is possible to pay for the coins both in cash and by card.

Starting from February 27, it is possible to purchase the collector coins from the Museum of Eesti Pank.

The collector coins are also available for purchase by mail. Please send your request to the Cash Department of Eesti Pank at the address Estonia pst 13, Tallinn 15095, or by e-mail at info@epbe.ee.

Photos of the collector coins dedicated to the 90th anniversary of the Republic of Estonia can be found at:
http://www.eestipank.info/pub/et/yldine/pangatahed/pics/coins/ev_pt.jpg
http://www.eestipank.info/pub/et/yldine/pangatahed/pics/coins/ev_au.jpg
http://www.eestipank.info/pub/et/yldine/pangatahed/pics/coins/ev_ag.jpg

Further information:
Ingrid Mitt
Eesti Pank
Public Relations Office
Specialist
Phone: +372 668 0965
Mobile phone: +372 512 6843
ingrid.mitt@epbe.ee
www.bankofestonia.info

President Ilves bestowed decorations of the Republic of Estonia on 268 people

Thu, 7 Feb 2008 00:00:00 +0200

]]>In connection with Independence Day, President Toomas Hendrik Ilves signed a resolution yesterday whereby, he bestowed national decorations on 268 Estonian citizens and foreigners to recognize their services to the Republic of Estonia.

“On the eve of the 90th anniversary of our state, we are bestowing Estonian state decorations on people who have helped to protect, preserve, and promote the Republic of Estonia in order to thank and honor them,” President Ilves wrote in the preface to the resolution.

“The Republic of Estonia endures based on the courage and volition of our citizens. The Republic of Estonia endures based on people who are dedicated to their vocations, community activities, and their families,” the Head of State stressed. “Estonia thanks its doctors, teachers, scientists, leaders of local life, cultural figures, freedom fighters, police, members of the Defense League, and state officials, as well as people whose activities have helped to make our country stronger as fast as possible after the restoration of our independence.”

President Ilves also addressed Estonia’s friends abroad, “The Republic of Estonia thanks our friends and supporters throughout the world who have helped clarify and support our aspirations; and who have helped to make Estonia’s voice heard and our dreams come true.”

The resolution of the President of the Republic is available at http://www.president.ee/et/ametitegevus/otsused.php.

Today, the month dedicated to the President of the Republic begins

Fri, 1 Feb 2008 00:00:00 +0200

]]>On Friday, 1 February, the month dedicated to the President of the Republic in the calendar of the Anniversary Year of the Republic of Estonia begins.

Today, festive ceremonies will be held in Antsla and Võru, in honour of the battles for independence, and tomorrow, on 2 February, the anniversary of signing the Tartu Peace Treaty will be celebrated in Tartu with a traditional symposium and concert at Vanemuise Concert Hall, and a religious service dedicated to the 88th anniversary of the Tartu Peace Treaty will be held in Tallinn at the Nõmme Rahu Church. On 24 February, Independence Day is celebrated in the Republic of Estonia. This is the day that the Independence Manifesto was declared in Tallinn 90 years ago. On 23 February, this took place in Pärnu, which is why this time the national Independence Day celebration takes place on two days and in two towns.

The main events of the month of the President of the Republic are the festive events held in Pärnu and Tallinn on 23 and 24 February, respectively, to celebrate Independence Day. This year, the traditional anniversary parade will be held in Pärnu, with the awarding of national honorary decorations. On 24 February, the traditional raising of the flag to Pikk Hermann tower in Tallinn will take place, followed by a religious service at Toomkirik, the awarding of national science, culture and sports awards and, in the evening, a reception by the President of the Republic at the Estonia Concert Hall.

In addition to the traditional events this year, it is possible to see the first flag of Estonia in both Tartu and Tallinn; the postage stamps and series of collector coins dedicated to the 90th anniversary of the Republic of Estonia are presented; in Pärnu, the youth conference “Noorte Vabariik” will be held; the new permanent exhibition will be opened at the Estonian History Museum, and many other things.

The purpose of the Anniversary Year, celebrating the 90th Anniversary of the Republic of Estonia, is to raise respect among our citizens towards the Republic and encourage all inhabitants of Estonia to rejoice in the independent state and carry it forward. The Anniversary Year of the Republic of Estonia will last until 28 November 2008. The self-initiative of all inhabitants of Estonia in celebrating the country we have built together is highly appreciated.

Mr. Aaviksoo: National defence is based on love, will and belief

Wed, 30 Jan 2008 00:00:00 +0200

]]>Põlva, 29th January 2008 – the Minister of Defence, Mr. Jaak Aaviksoo, gave a presentation on national defence and Estonian society today to approximately three hundred gymnasium students in Põlva Culture and Interest Centre. Wreaths were also placed at the monuments of the Estonian War of Independence in Kanepi and Põlva.

Students of Põlva’s Värska and Kanepi High Schools and the Põlva and Räpina Joint Gymnasium participated in the conference, dedicated to the Month of the Estonian War of Independence. National defence lessons were given and the Minister of Defence also presented the schools with Estonian War of Independence wall maps.

Mr. Aaviksoo reminded the students that about 90 years ago it was high school students who were the most strongly represented among the people who came to the streets carrying the blue, black and white tricolour and who participated in the War of Independence. “All through history, the readiness and will to live in an independent country has always been the strongest among young people,” Mr. Aaviksoo said.

According to the Minister of Defence, national defence is supported by three main elements. “First of all, love for what we protect; secondly, the will and ability for self-sacrifice and to give up one’s own comfort. And the third – the belief that protecting is not only correct, but also possible,” the Minister of Defence explained.

Mr. Aaviksoo also warned that little by little our country will cease to exist if we give up loving and caring for our country. “No one can beat us as long as we have love, will and faith!” Mr. Aaviksoo stressed.

A member of the Riigikogu, Mr. Urmas Klaas; the Commander the Defence League Lieutenant, Colonel Raivo Lumiste; Chief of the Defence League Põlva Unit, Captain Andres Sütt; and the students themselves, who prepared short studies on the Estonian War of Independence, also gave presentations at the conference.

Several significant battles in the struggle for Estonia’s independence were fought in January. The weapons used in the Estonian War of Independence also fell silent in January. Therefore, January is the month dedicated to the Estonian War of Independence.

General Johan Laidoner exhibition opens at Estonian War Museum

Tue, 8 Jan 2008 00:00:00 +0200

Tallinn, 8^th January 2008 – Today, Mr. Jaak Aaviksoo, the Minister of Defence, opened an exhibition entitled “General Johan Laidoner – the winner of the War of Independence” – at the Estonian War Museum – General Laidoner Museum.

Using documents and, above all, photographic materials, the exhibition provides an overview of the childhood of General Laidoner in Viiratsi parish and Viljandi, his studies at Vilno Military School and Nikolai’s Military Academy in St. Petersburg, his service as an officer and general staff officer of the Russian army, and his activities as the Commander-in-Chief of the Estonian Defence Forces in the victorious War of Independence.

Mr. Johan Laidoner is also introduced as a member of the Riigikogu, Commander-in-Chief during the period 1934–1940 and a member of public life. His family and homes in Tallinn, at Õllepruuli Street and Viimsi Manor, and his imprisonment in Russia are shown separately.

Collection of decorations, awarded to General Johan Laidoner by the Republic of Estonia and other countries, which were returned to Estonia from the United States of America in 2004, also form part of the exhibition; some personal items belonging to General Laidoner are also being exhibited.

In opening the exhibition, Mr. Jaak Aaviksoo said that sometimes when speaking of events related to Estonia gaining its independence we get carried away with historical abstractions, and speak about the emergence of favourable conditions that served as the pre-requisites for the birth of the Republic of Estonia.

“However, we should be speaking of real individuals, who fought for Estonia with both weapons and pens, and who paid the ultimate price. The grand old man of Estonian history, General Johan Laidoner, stands tall among these people,” the Minister said.

According to Mr. Aaviksoo, all over Estonia something visible and audible should remain of General Johan Laidoner, the man who won and has become the symbol of the Estonian War of Independence.

“The heroes of the War of Independence have a fundamental importance today and even more so for the future. Only an individual willing to give up everything in the name of his/her future can be free within the real meaning of the word; this is the bitter truth,” the Minister of Defence said.

General Johan Laidoner (1884–1953) was the Commander-in-Chief of the Estonian Defence Forces during the War of Independence. He was a member of the Riigikogu from 1920–1929, representing Estonia as a member of the Riigikogu’s Committee of Foreign Affairs at international conferences and was the special representative of the League of Nations, which solved the Turkey-Iraq conflict over the Mosul region.

After the institution of authoritarian regime in March 1934, Mr. Konstantin Päts invited General Laidoner to become the Commander-in-Chief of the Estonian Defence Forces again. In summer 1940, after Estonia’s annexation by the Soviet Union, the People's Commissariat for Internal Affairs (Narodny Kommisariat Vnutrennikh Del, NKVD) captured Johan Laidoner in Tallinn. Laidoner and his wife were deported together to Russia where he died in March 1953 in the Vladimir Prison Camp.

MINISTRY OF DEFENCE
Sakala 1, 15094 Tallinn
Public Affairs Department
Tel.: 7170 116; 56 56 41 88
E-mail: press@kmin.ee

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Anniversary of the Estonian War of Independence ceasefire commemorated at Tallinna Reaalkool

Thu, 3 Jan 2008 00:00:00 +0200

]]>Tallinn, 3^rd January 2008 – Today, wreaths were placed at the monument of the combatants killed in the Estonian War of Independence at Tallinna Reaalkool (Tallinn Secondary Science School) to commemoratethe cessation of hostilities 88 years ago.

The commemoration ceremony began at 10.30 with a trumpet signal. Three 105 mm howitzers gave three fusillades at Linda bastion to commemorate those who died, followed by a traditional minute of silence throughout Estonia; church bells also rang.

In his speech at Tallinna Reaalkool (Tallinn Secondary Science School), the Minister of Defence, Mr. Jaak Aaviksoo, said that the Estonian War of Independence brought freedom and peace to Estonia.

“Today, 88 years later, we know that we were not allowed to enjoy this peace for long. Also, 3,588 combatants did not live long enough to see the peace. Their lives were the price paid by the young Republic for survival,” Mr. Aaviksoo said.

According to the Minister, we were today commemorating those who were and are willing to take up arms to protect Estonia’s freedom, should a threat arise.

“We are standing also here today to show that Estonian people are willing to stand up for their freedom and independence. And after having exhausted all other means, we are also willing to take up arms to protect our freedom,” Mr. Aaviksoo confirmed.

Mr. Aaviksoo also confirmed that Estonia has growing and strengthening Defence Forces and an expanding and strengthening Defence League. “We can confirm our will, courage and decisiveness to stand for our freedom today, tomorrow and forever,” the Minister of Defence promised.

Speeches were also given by a member of the National Defence Committee of the Riigikogu, Mr. Trivimi Velliste, the Chairman of Association of Estonian Freedom Fighters, Mr. Gunnar Laev and Chaplain-in-Chief of the Estonian Defence Forces, Major Taavi Laanepere.

At 10.30 am, on 3^rd January 1920, Estonia and Bolshevik Russia called a ceasefire. 3,558 members of Estonian Defence Forces were killed in Estonian War of Independence, which lasted from 28^th November 1918 to 3^rd January 1920.

MINISTRY OF DEFENCE
Sakala 1, 15094 Tallinn
Public Affairs Department
Tel.: 7170 116; 56 56 41 88
E-mail: press@kmin.ee

The first concert series of the Anniversary Year of the Republic of Estonia

Fri, 30 Nov 2007 00:00:00 +0200

]]>Stenbock House, Tallinn 30 November 2007 – Today, the first big series of events celebrating the Anniversary Year of the Republic of Estonia begins – “An invitation to a birthday – a festive concert in my parish”. During the series, 121 concerts will be organised across Estonia in every parish and county centre.

The aim of the concert series is to reach the birthplace of every Estonian and to give everyone the chance to take part in the anniversary year of the country we all helped to build.

The jubilee concerts range from the performances of the pupils of local music schools to concerts performed by professional musicians, which vary in style from classical songs and folk music to artistic performances.

The concerts are performed in parish churches, civic centres and in other places suitable for performing and listening to music.

The concert series “An invitation to a birthday – a festive concert in my parish” was organised in cooperation with the state, the Estonian Evangelical Lutheran Church and the Centre for Estonian Folk Music.

Additional information about the event’s programme can be found at the address www.eesti90.ee , or from the respective venues, and from daily and county newspapers.

The aim of the anniversary year commemorating the 90^th Anniversary of the Republic of Estonia is to raise the respect of our citizens towards their own country, to encourage all Estonians to enjoy an independent Estonia, and to continue to advance our country. The anniversary year of the Republic of Estonia lasts until 28 November 2008. During the anniversary year we encourage all citizens to show initiative in celebrating the birthday of the country that we all built together. Information about the anniversary year events can be found on the website www.eesti90.ee .

Sincerely,
Riina Soobik
Government Communication Office
phone: +37253400736, 6935950
e-mail: riina.soobik@riigikantselei.ee

The anniversary year of the Republic of Estonia starts today

Wed, 28 Nov 2007 00:00:00 +0200

]]>Tallinn, Stenbock House, 28 November 2007 – Today is the beginning of the anniversary year of the Republic of Estonia. 90 years ago today, the Land Council, the first democratically elected representative body of Estonians, declared itself as the carrier of the highest power in Estonia.

The anniversary year begins with celebrations by the Estonian people in all counties and at the Estonia Concert Hall in Tallinn. Eesti Televisioon will carry a live broadcast of the opening of the anniversary year, which can be viewed from 18.55 to 21.00.

“National self-determination is the most important step in the history of our country. This brought us, firmly and for good, into the family of free peoples 90 years ago,” stressed Prime Minister Andrus Ansip.

The purpose of the anniversary year celebrating the 90th anniversary of the Republic of Estonia is to raise respect among our citizens towards the republic and encourage all inhabitants of Estonia to rejoice at an independent Estonia and to carry our state forward. The anniversary year is divided into theme months guided by the spirit of the Constitution and the important steps in the development of the Estonian state – War of Independence, school, nationalities living in Estonia, exile, resistance and the restoration of independence.

The anniversary year of the Republic of Estonia will last until 28 November of next year, when 90 years will have passed from the first battle of the War of Independence. The first month of the anniversary year – December – is dedicated to the Estonian people. The patrons of the month of the Estonian people are Minister of Culture Laine Jänes, and Minister Urve Palo.

The own-initiative of all inhabitants of Estonia in celebrating the anniversary of the country we built together is highly appreciated. More information about the events of the anniversary year is collected on the web page www.eesti90.ee.