The Estonian national colours were consecrateded in Otepää 120 years ago. The Estonian President proclaimed in Tallinn this year at a ceremony marking the Peace treaty of Tartu that “2004 is the year of the Estonian Flag.” The Blue, Black and White has always been an enduring national symbol fluttering in Estonians’ minds-eye and our hearts.

            Every morning in Tallinn our beloved tri-colours are hoisted aloft atop Toompea Castle’s Pikk Herman’s towering flagpole, accompanied by the strains of our national anthem. This is a testament to the fact that The Republic of Estonia is once more a free nation among peers in Europe and the World. But it was not always so. During the dark days abroad we kept our miniature flags high, waving from tabletop towers.

            The Peace of Tartu was concluded December 2nd 1920. In article II of the peace treaty Russia, among other things, acknowledges “…the freedom and independence of the Republic of Estonia unconditionally, willingly relinquishing for all time any and all rights of sovereignty over her…etc.”

            In 1939 The USSR concluded the Molotov-Ribbentrop pact with Germany. It included three secret protocols, one of which affected our homeland and kept our fellow countrymen fettered for generations.

            Escapees who fled the horrors of war and the onslaught of the Soviet invasion and communist death squads in 1944 immediately set up Estonian organizations abroad and began holding Independence Day services in exile. Our revered flag was and is still held high during our commemorations just as it was when we yearned for and then regained the hard fought for freedom for Estonia in 1991.

            This coming fall six decades will have passed from time when so many thousands died fleeing the tyranny and oppression which drove so many out of their homes. During the past fifty years in Canada, Estonian heritage, culture and language has been nurtured and handed down from generation to generation guaranteeing the continuance of our Estonian society in our adopted land. During our time in the Estonian diaspora we have been able to retain our national customs and foster in our children the love for their mother tongue, respect for their fatherland and pride in their flags both Canadian and Estonian.

            All Canadians of Estonian heritage owe it to their forefathers and especially to our future generations not to relent but to redouble our efforts by strengthen their resolve and commitment for maintaining a strong and vibrant Estonian community in Canada.



Best wishes to everyone on the occasion of the 86th anniversary of the independence of the Republic of Estonia.

Elagu vaba Eesti!



AVO KITTASK,

President of the Estonian Central Council in Canada

Eestlased Kanadas

TRENDING