Happy Estonian Independence Day!

The importance of February 24 is not lost on any Estonian. It was 106 years ago that Estonia declared its independence in the proclamation Manifest kõigile Eestimaa rahvastele. Drafted by a committee of nationally-minded Estonians, this „Manifest to all peoples in Estonia“ was approved during the short window at the end of WWI when Russian invaders were leaving and the Germans had yet to arrive. We are rightly proud of this bold act and of all those that followed as Estonia fought to gain and regain independence over the next century.  Estonians do not take their freedom for granted. This year, as we enter the third year of Russia’s vile invasion of Ukraine, historical events continue to ring loudly in our collective memory.

Whereas February 24th, 1918, marked the birth of the Republic of Estonia, it wasn’t until two years later, February 2, 1920, that the Tartu Peace Treaty was signed to mark the end of Estonia’s War of Independence, and in which Soviet Russia recognized the independence of the Republic of Estonia in perpetuity. The treaty has been called Estonia’s birth certificate, and had pioneering significance in international law, in that it cited the concept of a people’s right to self-determination, to decide their own destiny.  

So today we celebrate the freedom and self-determination that Estonia has, and which Ukraine is fighting so hard to keep. Let us celebrate this day whole-heartedly, with joy and with pride in our freedom, community, and identity. Even under the shadow of Russia’s continuing war on Ukraine, it is important to make space in our hearts to celebrate Estonia for all that it has accomplished, what it continues to achieve, and for its strong international voice in these disruptive and disturbing times. 

It is certainly troubling that the war in Ukraine continues, and we are right to be uneasy about current events, both in Europe and here in the U.S. We urge you to channel these thoughts into inspiration for action. We encourage you to use the privilege we have as Estonian Americans – that of using our voices and participating in the democratic process. Across the US, a record number of Estonian Americans participated in advocacy activities during the year following Russia’s invasion, speaking out for Ukraine and for Baltic security interests.  It is of utmost importance to continue these efforts in the coming year. So much is at stake in the U.S. Congress and in the understanding of the American people. 

As Estonians we are especially aware of the stakes. As has often been said of Baltic Americans:  “They know.”  We know. And we remember. This year we commemorate 80 years since the Mass Flight of 1944, when so many fled Estonia to escape the invading Soviet forces. Our parents and grandparents were faced with the impossible choice, they experienced the life-altering disruption – whether they fled or were left to face the brutal Soviet regime. Our families were shattered. So many years later, eight decades later, even as Estonia has blossomed in regained freedom, we as a people are still putting together the pieces of family and memory to fill in the gaps of our history. 

In Estonia, the Mass Flight of 1944 is only very recently entering the public dialogue and national consciousness in a more open way. For many younger descendants of Estonians abroad, the story of how and why our communities developed at the same time also remains largely unknown, or only vaguely recalled.

To help keep the conversation going, EANC is proud to be part of a larger commemorative project that we can all support together. A memorial sculpture and place of remembrance has been commissioned in Estonia to create a permanent reminder of the Mass Flight. This graceful and symbolic sculpture will depict the last moment of the countless goodbyes, the last touch of hands at departure, a moment encompassing uncertainty about the future, no matter if you left or stayed. To be sited on grounds beside the Pärnu River, one of the areas from which thousands fled in small boats, this memorial sculpture is scheduled to be unveiled on September 21, 2024.  We hope this date will be a focus for Estonians worldwide to remember and to commemorate these terrible events, each in their own way. 

As Estonian Americans we have the privilege and responsibility to connect future generations to this story. We who have ourselves experienced or have a family legacy of the experience of brokenness, recognize the gift of this inheritance – our story — as we celebrate EV106 and commemorate the Mass Flight of 1944.

We at the Estonian American National Council urge you to celebrate the day and share the gift.  

Elagu Eesti!

Mai-Liis Bartling

president