Hussar said that the Republic of Estonia had been born out of the courage to exercise the right of nations to self-determination and to decide their own destiny, recalling the proclamation of the Declaration of Independence in 1918 and the complex and unpredictable journey that followed. According to him, the founders of the Republic of Estonia did not know what trials awaited them, but they understood that they had to act at the decisive moment.
Speaking about peace and security in Europe today, the President of the Riigikogu emphasised that peace could not be achieved through giving in to aggression. “A just peace is achieved when the cost of aggression becomes unbearable,” Hussar said, highlighting the crucial importance of international pressure, sanctions, support of the allies and the will to defend. He confirmed that these principles also apply today in supporting Ukraine.
Hussar pointed out that Estonia’s decision to move to the West and to anchor itself in the European Union and NATO had been a conscious and historical choice. “Our world is not perfect, and Europe is not without its problems, but these alliances are absolutely the best forms of international cooperation for the future of our country and our people,” Hussar said.
The President of the Riigikogu recalled that freedom could never be take for granted and required constant responsibility and joint efforts. “Thanks to our joint efforts, we live in a free, beautiful, and dignified country,” Hussar said.
On the Independence Day of the Republic of Estonia, he called on remembering the founders of the Republic of Estonia and acknowledging those who restored it.
Archbishop of the Estonian Evangelical Lutheran Church Urmas Viilma said a blessing at the flag raising ceremony, and Alex Paul Pukk, student of the Drama School of the Estonian Academy of Music and Theatre, read out the Estonian Declaration of Independence. The united male choir of the Estonian Male Choir Association, and Tallinn Police Orchestra performed “Eesti lipp” (“Flag of Estonia”, music by Enn Võrk, words by Martin Lipp), “Hoia, Jumal, Eestit” (“God Save Estonia”, music by Juhan Aavik, words by Aleksander Leopold Raudkepp), “Jää vabaks, Eesti meri” (“Stay Free, Estonian Sea!”, by Viktor Konstantin Oxford), and “Kodumaa” (“Homeland”, music by Raimond Kull, words by Mihkel Veske).
Speech by the President of the Riigikogu
Photos (Erik Peinar / Chancellery of the Riigikogu)