The Washington Estonian Society (WES) proudly commemorated Estonia’s 108th Independence Day with a festive celebration on Sunday, February 22, at the Latvian Lutheran Church. More than one hundred guests attended the sold-out, catered dinner and were warmly welcomed by WES President Alan Tomson.
The evening’s program featured a special video greeting from Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna, inspiring musical selections by the Baltimore-Washington Estonian Singers and students of the Washington Estonian School, and a keynote address delivered by Kristjan Prikk, Estonia’s Ambassador to the United States.
In his remarks, President Alan Tomson reflected on Estonia’s history of Russian occupation and reaffirmed a powerful truth: we have always been Estonians, we are Estonians, and we will always be Estonians! Ambassador Prikk spoke thoughtfully about Estonia’s resilience, its strong partnership with the United States, and the importance of unity in today’s world.
A special highlight of the evening was the celebration of Silvi Valge’s 90th birthday. Guests honored her with flowers and a heartfelt rendition of “Ta elagu.” The evening’s program concluded with a masterful piano concert by Olympian and professional pianist Ms Egle Uljas.
Throughout the evening, old friends reconnected, new friendships were formed, and all in attendance proudly celebrated their shared Estonian heritage. Elagu Eesti!
Hello, and welcome on behalf of the Washington Estonian Society.
Today we gather to mark a sacred milestone—the 108th anniversary of the Republic of Estonia. This is a day of remembrance, pride, and resolve. We honor the generations who fought for our freedom and secured it through sacrifice and determination, culminating in the Tartu Peace Treaty, which affirmed Estonia’s rightful place among free nations.
But commemoration alone is not enough. History calls upon us once again.
Europe is again under threat from Russia, and Estonians understand this danger better than most. We have lived it. We have endured occupation under the brutal oppression of the Soviet regime. So, Mr Putin, let there be no misunderstanding: Estonians have never been Russians. We do not want to be Russians. And we will never be Russians.
Today, Estonia stands strong and sovereign. We are a proud member of NATO, the greatest defensive alliance the world has ever known. Our borders are guarded, our democracy is defended, and our spirit remains unbroken.
Across the world, the Estonian people remain united. We are resilient, vigilant, and clear-eyed about the ambitions of those who seek to resurrect a false empire through force and intimidation. We watch our eastern neighbor carefully—not in fear, but in readiness.
Our future is built on the courage of those who came before us, our unwavering commitment to freedom, and our determination to defend our independence. We are a free people. Proud. Vigilant. Strong.
We are Estonians.
We have always been Estonians.
And we will forever remain Estonians.
Long live the Republic of Estonia! Elagu Eesti!
Alan Tomson
President, Washington Estonian Society
