Speech by Prime Minister Kaja Kallas at the laying of wreaths at the War of Independence Victory Column, 24 February 2022

Dear President of the Republic of Estonia and Speaker of the Riigikogu,
Dear Estonian people and friends,
I wish you all a happy anniversary of the Republic of Estonia!

Today is a day of celebration in Estonia – we celebrate our freedom. Russia's military action against Ukraine shows how high the price of freedom is. We all support the Ukrainian people. The call for freedom cannot be silenced by brutal force. Long live a free Ukraine!

Today, 104 years ago, Estonia became independent thanks to the courage and perseverance of our predecessors. At the end of the same year, our people’s resolve was put to the test when we participated in the War of Independence and fought for our freedom. 

Let's remember the extraordinary circumstances in which this happened. Free Estonia could only last for a few days, when it had to mobilise an army and go to fight for freedom. And we had to do it without proper equipment and training.
 
We did not hesitate, nor did we consider the coming battle against the massive Russian army impossible. People grabbed weapons and whatever they could get their hands on and went – young, old, men, women. Everyone found a way to contribute to the fight. It was a fight for the right to be free. A fight for the right to be and decide for yourself.

The right to freedom and the right to choose one’s own path is being called into question in Ukraine. Estonia belongs to the family of free countries and is always ready to defend itself. Estonia also stands up for those whose freedom is being taken from them right now.

Our ancestors found in themselves the will and motivation to fight for the Estonian state. For a state that was so young that no one knew what it would become. But Estonians believed that the chance to live in a free Estonia of our own creation was worth fighting and dying for.
 
Our people achieved the seemingly impossible – we became free!

Today, we remember all those people of Estonia whose dedication and sacrifice secured our right to be free in the War of Independence. It was a victory for the whole nation. We will never forget you.

Many thanks also to our friends and allies, who stand steadfastly by Estonia’s side today. Thanks to you, Estonia is stronger than ever!

Estonia is protected, Estonia is safe. Long live free Estonia!