A solemn ceremony was held in Tallinn’s Freedom Square today to commemorate those who fell in the War of Independence and to celebrate 104 years from the entry into force of the armistice signed between the Republic of Estonia and Soviet Russia. At the ceremony, Minister of Defence Hanno Pevkur placed a wreath “From the People of Estonia” at the foot of the War of Independence Victory Column.
“On 3 January 1920, the rifles, machine guns, cannons and armoured trains of Estonian soldiers in the War of Independence went silent. The final ceasefire began. A month later, Estonia's victory was set in stone with the Treaty of Tartu and a new independent, progressive and peace-loving country de facto appeared on the world map,” said Minister of Defence Minister Pevkur in his speech.
The minister added that the War of Independence had taught us a lesson in protecting our land from the aggressor from the very first metre, because it’s much more difficult to win it back later. “So I assure you: Estonia will strike back immediately in case of any aggression, from the very first metre,” said Pevkur.
Fortunately, Estonia was not alone in the War of Independence and we will never forget how volunteers from Finland, Denmark and many other countries came to help Estonia in the critical situation. “I am also certain today that we can count on our Finnish, British and Danish brothers in arms if need be. But not only that. Our situation is incomparably better at present than it was a century ago. The NATO umbrella covers 31 allies and our good neighbour and friend Sweden will join in the near future. We train together, we develop together and, if needed, we will fight together,” said Pevkur.
According to the Minister of Defence, nothing has changed in Russian warfare over the past century. “History also confirms that brute force is the only argument against an aggressor with an imperialist mindset. In other words, if Russia’s activities in Ukraine are not stopped, Europe will face the risk of a long-term conflict with Russia,” said Pevkur, adding that we must stick together and support Ukraine, because Ukrainians are fighting not only for the freedom of their own country and people, but also for our common values.
“We have our own country, our own language and culture today at the cost of the lives of those who fell in the War of Independence. We can only hope and believe that our friends in Ukraine will be able to say the same of their heroes in the future. I wish for the strength and determination of all of us to stand up for the freedom of Estonia and Europe. Honour to those who fell in the War of Independence! Let’s keep Estonia safe,” Pevkur said as a final note.
A ceasefire was agreed with Soviet Russia on 31 December 1919. It provided for the cessation of hostilities on the front between Estonia and Soviet Russia on 3 January 1920 at 10:30 a.m. On 2 February 1920, the Treaty of Tartu was signed and the War of Independence ended with Estonia’s victory.
In the 1920s, the tradition began to hold a moment of silence every year on 3 January at 10:30 a.m, the moment the ceasefire came into effect, to honour those Estonians and foreigners who fought in the War of Independence and gave their lives for Estonia’s freedom.
In addition to the soldiers and volunteers of the allied forces, about 75,000 fighters participated in the War of Independence on the Estonian side, of whom more than 6,000 were killed.
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Photos: Anniversary of the War of Independence ceasefire, 3 January 2024