Dear fellow Estonians and allies,
“A nation is not defined by what it has, but by what it believes in,” – said famous Estonian writer Anton Hansen Tammsaare.
We, Estonians, have always believed in freedom, and therefore today we celebrate not only the birthday of our country, but the birth of our people’s freedom.
The idea of a free Estonia was born of courage. It sprouted from language and grew from memory. And it has remained alive thanks to will. Let us not forget - independence has never been taken for granted.
The harsh proof of this is Russia’s cruel and destructive war of aggression in Ukraine that began just today, four years ago. This is not just a war against Ukraine.
This is a war against truth and justice, where the Ukrainian people are not only defending their land, but also defending the idea of freedom.
The same idea that Estonia defended in 1918 and again when it regained our independence, and which reminds us that freedom is not a gift. It is a responsibility.
Every day and for every generation. We have handled this responsibility best in history when we have stuck together. When we have believed that truth is stronger than lies. That light is stronger than darkness.
Therefore, on this day of celebration, I wish that we have the courage. The courage to speak. The courage to listen. The courage to remain human.
Long live Estonia! Elagu Eesti!
Hanno Pevkur