Today, 25 years ago, the Republic of Estonia’s independence was restored!

On August 20th, 1991 at 11:02 pm the Estonia Supreme Council filling the role of parliament, made the decision to no longer be a part of the Soviet Union and become an independent country. The congress was broadcast live on ETV (Estonian Television) leaving the iconic image of Ülo Nugis declaring Estonia’s independence witha hit of his gavel in the memories of all those living and watching the broadcast at that time in Estonia.

Compatriots living abroad have their own memories associated with this historical event. We would like to share one of these memories with you today: the Black Ribbon Day demonstration in Toronto at Nathan Phillips Square on August 23rd, 1991. The event was filmed by the Estonian Cultural Heritage Society and the recording is currently being held at VEMU.The recording can be seen here.

VIDEO

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A video greeting to Estonians abroad to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the restoration of the Republic of Estonia from the Estonian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Marina Kaljurand, can be seen here.

25 years of freedom have flown by. Estonia has changed and so has the world, but freedom has remained true. Let us have the wisdom to preserve our freedom!

Long live Estonia! Elagu Eesti!