Dear Fellow Estonians and Estonian Community Members,

Celebrations of the centennial of the Republic of Estonia began already back in April 2017, to mark the 100th anniversary of the unification of Estonian territories. The festivities and commemorations lasted for three years, with the last official centennial event occurring in the early morning hours of February 2 in Tartu, marking exactly 100 years since the signing of the Tartu Peace Treaty. The Treaty brought to an end the War of Independence, which had lasted nearly a year and a half, and it also determined Estonia’s eastern border. In signing this treaty, Soviet Russia acknowledged the sovereignty of Estonia forever and all time. As stated by Jaan Poska (a signatory of the treaty) at the time, “Today is the most important day in Estonia’s 700-year history; today, for the first time, Estonia now determines the destiny of the Estonian people.”

And so, today, in the year 2020, we commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Tartu Peace Treaty signing with Russia and celebrate the 102nd year of the Republic of Estonia.

The duration of the period saw over 3000 centennial events in Estonia and abroad and nearly 1500 people presented their gifts to the republic. Books have been published and films produced; conferences and parties have been brought people together; buildings and structures have been renovated and restored, and trees have been planted. There have been numerous exhibitions, concerts and theatre productions. The spotlight has illuminated important times and events in history, and have been brought to the public via television documentaries, articles in the press, movies and travelling exhibits (including the touring exhibition of the historic armored train “Vabadus,” which made its way around Estonia); and so much more. It is integral that a people know their own history and we are so grateful that such efforts have been made to bring these events back into the presence of our people and to bring these stories to life and light.

Of particular importance to Estonians residing outside of the homeland is the new attention from the government of Estonia; an initiative has been put in place to establish a state-level program to strengthen ties between Estonia and Estonians living abroad.

The Ministry of Population, a new government ministry, has been established to develop this collaborative program. Work is underway and it is hoped that the program could be in place by year end. EANC has two representatives in the committee tasked with this development and cooperation.

Also important this past year was the widespread commemoration of the 75th anniversary of the Great Refugee Flight of September 1944. These commemorative and informative events were organized by the Estonian World Council and hosted in Estonia. It is essential that this chapter and perspective on history be made known and shared also in Estonia, so that, as a people, we all know the events of that time and have a better understanding of one another.

On behalf of the Estonian American National Council, I wish all of you a very happy Estonian Independence Day. We have come further than ever before.

Wishing happiness and success to the Republic of Estonia!

With warm wishes,

Marju Rink-Abel, EANC president