Dear fellow Estonians and friends!
We are right to wonder if the meaning of February 24 has changed forever. While waiting for this day last year, we thought about the birthday of the Republic of Estonia and the history associated with it. It was a day when we thought about and celebrated with pride and joy the achievements, freedom, and struggles of our homeland. But the events of February 24 a year ago have cast a deep shadow on this day. Russia’s invasion of Ukraine on this day has also put our beloved Estonia in danger, maybe not immediately, but possibly in the future, if this war does not end with Ukraine’s victory and Russia’s definite defeat.
It is not without reason that, considering its size, Estonia ranks first in providing aid to Ukraine. It has given almost $396 million in aid – about half of its defense budget. Estonia has donated everything it has been able to Ukraine – all kinds of military and humanitarian aid – and has also taken in 60,000 Ukrainian refugees, a higher percentage of its population than any other European Union country. This sends a clear signal to the Kremlin not to play with Estonia, as Estonian Defense Minister Hanno Pekvur said when he met American Defense Minister Lloyd Austin on February 16 in Tallinn.
Estonians abroad can also provide their own contribution. We in America must support maximum American aid to Ukraine. We must condemn and punish the crimes of Russia and its leaders. Let’s take part in the demonstrations that will take place on the first anniversary of the Russian aggression. Let’s inform our representatives in Congress that continued aid to Ukraine is essential. Democracy must survive, and for that a strong NATO is also needed, as well as the strengthening of the security of the Baltic states.
Estonia will be 105 years old. It is a fully worthy ally of the USA, a respected member of NATO and the European Union. We mark and celebrate the anniversary of the Republic of Estonia in our societies, in Estonian houses, at our gatherings. We hope that the shadow that has fallen on our anniversary will soon disappear. Together, let’s do everything we can to make it so!
On behalf of the Estonian American National Council, I thank you for your support and wish everyone a happy anniversary of the Republic of Estonia!
Long live a free Ukraine! Long live Estonia!
Marju Rink-Abel
President
