Main Building, Tartu University, Tartu, Estonia, where students placed Estonia's blue-black-white striped flag during its War of Independence (1918-20) (photos by Mary Ellyn Hutton)
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Although the era of Soviet domination ended only in August, 1991, Estonia became a free and independent state following its war of independence from Russia in 1918-20. This was sealed by the Tartu Peace Treaty (1920) whereby Russia (then the Soviet Union) renounced forever any territorial claims to Estonia.
In violation of the treaty, Soviet troops invaded and annexed Estonia in 1940 pursuant to the Molotov-Ribbentrop pact and its secret protocols, by which the Soviet Union and Nazi Germany agreed to carve up Europe after what was expected to be a German victory. In 1941, the Germans invaded Estonia during their push to the east, precipitating a bloody war, with Estonians forced to fight on both sides. Estonia was re-occupied by the Soviet Union in 1944 after the defeat of Germany.
Elam Pitkjaan, president of the Estonian Heritage Association of Cincinnati, gave this address at a birthday lunch held by the association on Estonia's 90th birthday, Feb. 24, in Florence, Kentucky.
Unquestionably for all Estonians, the War of Independence of 1918-20 is the single most important and consequential event in Estonian history. It all started with the Declaration of Independence on February 24, 1918, exactly 90 years ago today.
The War of Independence ended a centuries-long period of foreign domination and a desperate struggle and conflict to defend this tiny piece of land.
Table where Tartu Peace Treaty, recognizing the independence of Estonia from Russia, was signed in 1920
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Building in Tartu where Tartu Peace Treaty was signed in 1920
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The Estonian people have been developing and building Estonia for 90 years. However, for a long period of almost five decades the building and advancement was very slow and passive because Estonia did not have freedom and self-determination. Estonians held their potential for development and advancement in their hearts and minds.
In defiance of almost half a century of totalitarian terror, genocide and suppression of all basic human rights, Estonians succeeded in preserving their identity, language, toughness, resilience and unwavering expectations, their resolve and hopes for the rebirth of freedom and independent statehood.
This (latest) 90-year era of Estonian history can be divided into three inherently different periods: 1) The initial early years of independence, including the War of Independence, 2) the dark period of Soviet occupation and 3) the present period of re-independence.
During the critical days of August 1991, the Estonian people were incredibly astonished and exceedingly happy while witnessing these extraordinary and astounding historical events. The Estonian people regained their freedom and independence literally overnight.
This latest period marks the 17th year of re-independence.
Unfortunately, the Estonian population has been declining since the fall of the Soviet Union. However, in recent years, the country has made strides in reversing the trend through incentives for parents to have babies. According to statistics, the population of Estonia on Jan. 1, 2007 was 1.342 million people.
Currently, Estonia's trend-setting economy of rapid growth has stabilized into a balanced, stable rise. The projected five or six percent growth is regulated by dictates of economy and by global fluctuations and uneven circumstances.
Lately, Estonia and other Baltic countries are threatened by the outflow of talented people to American (and even Asian) universities and businesses. Development of an attractive economic and living environment must be one of the key priorities for the government. Conditions need to be established so that scientists, researchers and medical personnel would also want to stay and work in Estonia.
In agriculture, Estonia cannot compete because of its relatively short growing season. Estonia is not enriched with plentiful and various natural resources. Its manufacturing capacity is very small and lacks the foundation to be a player in international markets.
However, Estonia holds a resource that in time will contribute to her economic growth, quality of life, better living standards and international competitiveness. This resource is Estonia's educational standard. Estonia's well-educated and skillful youth are going to be ready to influence and determine the direction of the country's future development.
In recent years, the PISA tests (Program for International Student Assessment) for 15-year-olds students yielded the most encouraging results. Estonia ranked fifth with Japan, behind first place Finland, then Hong Kong, Canada and Taiwan. The test emphasized science -- physics, chemistry, biology and geography. It also involved mathematics, reading skills and reasoning.
This 90-year time span has been the most crucial history-making period for the Estonian people. This small nation had often been thrown in the middle of the exceedingly demanding, inexorably ruthless, hostile and vicious historical turbulence of the 20th century.
The losses in proportion to the size of the country were horrendous, since so many were persecuted, killed, deported or fell in battlefields during two wars or perished in Siberian forced labor camps.
Last year, TIME magazine reporter Peter Gumbel stated that "the Baltic's most innovative economy (meaning Estonia) is too busy to worry about its Soviet past." He calls it "the power of positive memory loss." Yes, it sounds encouraging and promising. However, it probably was over-stated. It sounds like an excellent example of literary metaphor.
In reality, this tiny nation still nurses deep wounds which will require considerably more time to heal. And the big neighbor in the East (Russia) is decidedly unfriendly and repeatedly antagonistic.
Hopefully, during this present, somewhat more peaceful period of relative well-being, Estonia will be able to maintain its revitalized surge of energy and forward movement in economic advances and in information technology. This reserved expectancy (optimistic outlook) is based on a solid foundation of security granted by joining the well-grounded alliances of NATO and the European Union.
Today, when we are celebrating the 90th anniversary of the Independence of the Republic of Estonia, we wholeheartedly hope and wish that the Estonian people have the strength and fortitude to preserve their inherent national vitality, including positive population growth in the future. And most of all, show love for the country for whose freedom so many have given their ultimate sacrifice.
Elam Pittkjan, president, Estonian Heritage Association of Cincinnati
Estonian National Anthem
Mu isamaa, mu õnn ja rõõm My native land,my joy, delight
kui kannis oled sa! How fair thou art and bright!
Ei leia mina iial teal And nowhere in the world all round
see suure, laia ilma peal, Can ever such a place be found
mis mul nii armas oleks ka, So well beloved as I love thee,
kui sa, mu isamaa! My native country dear!
Sa oled mind ju sünnitand My little cradle stood on thy soil,
ja üles kasvatand; Whose blessings ease my toil.
sind tänan mina alati With my last breath my thanks to thee
ja jään sull' truuiks surmani, For true to death I'll ever be.
mul kõige armsam oled sa, O worthy, most beloved and fine.
mu kallis isamaa! Thou dearest country mine!
Su üle Jumal valvaku May God in Heaven thee defend,
mu armas isamaa! My best, my dearest land!
Ta olgu sinu kaitseja May He be guard, may He be shield,
ja võtku rohkest õnnista, Forever may He bless and wield
mis iial ette võtad sa, O graciously add deeds of thine,
mu kallis isamaa! Thou dearest country mine!
kui kannis oled sa! How fair thou art and bright!
Ei leia mina iial teal And nowhere in the world all round
see suure, laia ilma peal, Can ever such a place be found
mis mul nii armas oleks ka, So well beloved as I love thee,
kui sa, mu isamaa! My native country dear!
Sa oled mind ju sünnitand My little cradle stood on thy soil,
ja üles kasvatand; Whose blessings ease my toil.
sind tänan mina alati With my last breath my thanks to thee
ja jään sull' truuiks surmani, For true to death I'll ever be.
mul kõige armsam oled sa, O worthy, most beloved and fine.
mu kallis isamaa! Thou dearest country mine!
Su üle Jumal valvaku May God in Heaven thee defend,
mu armas isamaa! My best, my dearest land!
Ta olgu sinu kaitseja May He be guard, may He be shield,
ja võtku rohkest õnnista, Forever may He bless and wield
mis iial ette võtad sa, O graciously add deeds of thine,
mu kallis isamaa! Thou dearest country mine!
Estonia's national anthem, "Mu isamaa, mu õnn ja rõõm" ("My native land, my joy, delight"). Music by Fredrik Pacius, lyrics by J.V. Jannsen.
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