The 31st of August is an important date in Estonian history. It marks the day in 1994 when the last Russian troops left Estonian soil. The army that had occupied, brutalised and polluted Estonia for half a century was finally gone. This event was an important milestone in strengthening Estonia's independence and moving forward to a secure and brighter future.
Tori's Military Memorial Church (formerly St. George's Lutheran Church) is the location where many historic anniversaries of Estonia are celebrated. On this day the chef of the Defence Union gives a speech and a service takes place followed by a musical performance. It is interesting to note that Tori's Military Memorial Church is also the location where Estonian policemen and officers are sworn into office.
The first of September marks the start of the new school year in Estonia. Students are about to embark upon a new chapter in their lives as they start or return to school. This year will see nearly 4,800 Ukrainian children starting school or kindergarten in Estonia. Many will attend the newly created Vabaduse School in Tallinn. In recent years Estonia's education system has been increasingly recognised as one of the best in the world.
Last year I was in Estonia on the first of September and noticed there were a lot of smart looking boys dressed in suits on their first day of school. Very cute!
It is tradition in Estonia for children to receive an Aabits book on their first day of school. Here are a few cover designs from the past.
The most senior member of my Estonian family passed away on Tuesday. My uncle Kuno was 81 years old and had his son by his bedside when he took his final breath. My uncle had an eventful life. Born during World War Two he spent several years of his childhood living in a refugee camp in Hamburg before emigrating to Australia. He became an electronics engineer, married, had three children and had a life long passion for photography. The last conversation I had with him was probably one of the best. We spoke of literature, he recommended two books to me and he spoke a lot about my Estonian grandfather. Sadly, my family circle is slowly shrinking and family gatherings won't be the same again.
My uncle Kuno with my grandmother onboard SS Dundalk Bay as they sailed to Australia from Italy.
A new postage stamp featuring the Estonia piano will be released on Thursday as part of the 'Great Estonian Things' stamp series. This will be the second stamp released in the series that began last summer. Last year Omniva held a competition asking Estonians to submit their ideas of what they consider to be some of Estonia's greatest things and the Estonia piano was among the top ten. The stamp was designed by Indrek Ilves and will have a print run of 20,000.
The Village Swing was the first stamp released in the 'Great Estonian Things' stamp series.
The stamps can be purchased online on the Omniva website.
Thirty-one years ago today Estonia restored its independence. After fifty long harrowing years of Soviet occupation, Estonians around the world rejoiced in the knowledge that their beloved country was finally free again. Today we celebrate this historic day and give thanks to those bold Estonians who made it happen.
Elagu Eesti Vabariik! Long live the Republic of Estonia!