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Happy Restoration of Estonian Independence Day! Head taasiseseisvumispäeva!
August 20, 2025 All day
The restoration of Estonia’s independence was a pivotal moment in the country’s history, marking the end of over five decades of Soviet occupation. On August 20, 1991, the Supreme Council of the Republic of Estonia declared the illegal Soviet occupation and annexation of the country terminated, and proclaimed the full restoration of the independence of Estonia. This declaration was made at 23:02 local time and was followed by a series of events that led to the international recognition of Estonia’s independence. The day is now celebrated annually as the Restoration of Independence Day (Taasiseseisvumispäev), a day of national pride and remembrance of the country’s freedom. Estonia’s Independence Day is Feb 24th.
Please scroll down for the EANC statement in celebration of this important anniversary.
EANC Greeting on the 34th Anniversary of the Restoration of the Republic of Estonia
Dear fellow Estonians in the United States, friends and supporters,
On August 20, 1991, Estonia took back its freedom and restored its independence, and so today we celebrate with pride and happiness. Estonia is free! Breathe it in!
Many of us still remember the years before, when our families were torn apart, and those in Estonia lived under fear and constraint. We remember the bold actions of those who used every opportunity to work toward Estonia’s freedom. We remember how it felt to finally see our dream of a free Estonia come true. This freedom must never be taken for granted.
Whether celebrating individually or in community, we can pause to reflect on this recent history, which took place within many of our lifetimes or those of our parents and grandparents. And surely, we can be proud of Estonia’s accomplishments of the last 34 years, as we share and promote our culture here. The anniversary of restored independence is also a good opportunity to consider how to respond outside of Estonia – specifically as Estonian Americans – to today’s international challenges.
In that spirit, we call on our elected officials and public servants to use the huge leverage held by the U.S. in this critical moment to shape a just and lasting peace for Ukraine, to be a force for enduring global security, including for Estonia and our Baltic neighbors. Purposeful action and resolve will be required, as well as a clear memory and accurate account of the recent past.
This is also an appropriate week to remember other key moments in recent history. On August 23, 1939, the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact was signed between Nazi Germany and the Soviet Union. It included a secret protocol that divided Eastern Europe into German and Soviet spheres of influence, and ultimately put the sovereign nations of Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania forcibly and illegally under Soviet rule. While presented as a non-aggression pact, this backroom deal effectively paved the way for World War II. To mark the 50th anniversary of this appalling occasion, on August 23, 1989, two million Balts joined hands to form a human chain spanning more than 400 miles across the three Baltic countries, a peaceful yet powerful demonstration with one demand: freedom for Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania. Seen by the world, the human chain became a critical milestone now called the Baltic Way — forever a touchpoint in the Baltics’ determined march to freedom from the Soviet Union.
We wish for Ukraine that which Estonia today enjoys – freedom, security, and the power to determine its own future. We hope that when Ukrainians celebrate their independence on August 24, 2026, Ukraine will be at peace and free of Russian occupation.
The Estonian American National Council calls on all Baltic Americans and our supporters to make their voices heard this week, to remind the policy makers and elected officials of our own recent history and experience with Russia, as well as of the plight of everyday Ukrainians, who are laying down their lives to defend their land, nation, and people against Russian aggression Whether it is by participating in an event, or by directly contacting representatives or the press, our collective and loud voices are needed now.
Long live freedom! Long live the Republic of Estonia!