NordenBladet —President of the Riigikogu (Parliament of Estonia) Henn Põlluaas said at the flag raising ceremony in the Governor’s Garden at Toompea in the morning of the 135th anniversary of the national flag of Estonia that the blue-black-white flag had become an integral part of our nation, our identity and our independence. He added that it was a link that tied the previous and the next generations together.
“The Estonian flag is our symbol that was carried by the previous and will be carried by the next generations, and which means freedom, independence and aspirations to survive in this world,” Henn Põlluaas emphasised.
“The Estonian flag embodies faith, hope and love. Faith in our people, our independence, our strength and will. Hope for survival and for the bright future. Love for our country and for all,” the President of the Riigikogu said.
In his speech, Põlluaas also pointed out that this year marked several anniversaries. “Besides the 135th anniversary of our national flag, we celebrate the 100th anniversary of the beginning of the work of the Estonian Parliament, and the first All-Estonian Song Festival took place 150 years ago,” he said. The President of the Riigikogu also recalled that thirty years passed from the Baltic Way and the day the blue, black and white flag was again raised at the Tall Hermann Tower after long years.
“Let us keep this flag and these colours in our hearts, and never let this flag fall,” Põlluaas said.
The Riigikogu and the Estonian Flag Association thanked the Estonian Song and Dance Celebration Foundation, the Institute of the Estonian Language and Gustav Adolf Grammar School, giving them ceremonial flags.
The Estonian Song and Dance Celebration Foundation was awarded the flag on the occasion of the anniversary year of the song and dance celebration, and the Institute of the Estonian Language on the occasion of the Estonian Language Year. Gustav Adolf Grammar School was awarded the flag for active participation in the events organised by the Estonian Flag Association.
Chairman of the Estonian Flag Association Jüri Trei also delivered a speech at the flag raising ceremony. Archbishop of the Estonian Evangelical Lutheran Church Urmas Viilma said the words of blessing.
Head of the Denmark Society Erik Fage-Pedersen greeted Estonia on its National Flag Day. This year, we mark the 135th anniversary of the national flag of Estonia and the 800th anniversary of the national flag of Denmark.
The honour guards of the Defence League, Women’s Home Defence, Young Eagles, Home Daughters, Scouts, Guides and academic organisations, and the flag hoisting units of societies, associations, and schools attended the flag raising ceremony in the Governor’s Garden. The orchestra of the Defence Forces, and the choirs of the Estonian Female Song Society and the schools of Tallinn performed at the ceremony.
From 3 p.m. to 7 p.m., the Tall Hermann Tower will be open for visiting. In order to ensure smooth entrance, visitors will be given free tickets indicating the time for entrance to the tower.
Source: Parliament of Estonia