The President of the Riigikogu Eiki Nestor thanked the members of the August 20^th Club for their contribution to the restoration of Estonia’s independence in 1991, when the Supreme Council of the Republic of Estonia adopted the Resolution on the State Status of Estonia.

“At the time, I rooted for you as a member of the general public,” Nestor said at the formal meeting of the Club. “But until today I have never had the opportunity to speak to the Club and to thank you.  Today I get to express my gratitude.”  

Rein Järlik, a member of the August 20^th Club, said in his speech that by deciding to restore the national independence 23 years ago the Supreme Council was carrying out the people’s will and that this decision was Estonia’s ticket to international organisations and associations.

Before the meeting, members of the Club and the Vice-President of the Riigikogu Jüri Ratas laid flowers at the August 20 memorial stone in Toompea.

The August 20^th Club was founded in 1994 and unites those members of the Supreme Council of the Republic of Estonia (at the time the Estonian SSR) who gave the 69 votes in favour of the Resolution on the State Status of Estonia. The August 20^th Club, presided by Ants Veetõusme, traditionally convenes at Toompea Castle every year on August 20 for a formal meeting.

Photos of the occasion can be viewed at: https://fotoalbum.riigikogu.ee/v/2014/Riigikogu/20.+augusti+klubi/