By Gabriel Ani
On the occasion of the 106th anniversary of the Republic of Estonia, Prime Minister Kaja Kallas delivered a heartfelt speech at the wreath-laying ceremony at the foot of the War of Independence Victory Column.
In her address, Kallas reflected on the courage it took for Estonia to gain independence, stating, “In retrospect, it is easy to believe that Estonia’s independence was self-evident. Yet, the endeavour itself also required a significant dose of pure courage, embarked upon without knowledge of what would follow.”
Drawing parallels with the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, Kallas emphasized the importance of freedom and the courage it takes to fight for it. She quoted the ancient Greek historian Thucydides, saying, “The secret to happiness is freedom, and the secret to freedom is courage.”
Kallas urged for concrete actions to support Ukraine, warning that the entire European security architecture would be compromised if victory is not secured in the war. She called for vigilance and resilience, stating, “We must not allow ourselves or our allies become numb or weary. This is not the time for complacency.”
The Prime Minister also highlighted Estonia’s commitment to national defence and collaboration with allies to deter any potential aggressors. She paid tribute to those who fought for Estonia’s independence in the War of Independence, vowing, “We will never forget you.”
In her closing remarks, Kallas thanked Estonia’s allies and friends for their unwavering support and expressed gratitude to the people of Estonia. She concluded her speech with a rallying cry, “We are a small nation, yet fierce and tough. Together, we can overcome these challenging times. Let us continue to look after each other and our Estonia. Long live Estonia!”
