The first 106 years of the Estonian state have not been easy. It contains both bright colors and years, as well as difficult and tragic decades for our nation. One can always ask and discuss whether we would have had other options at the time. However, it is not possible to turn back time and history, but we can always learn from the past – how our little homeland could successfully withstand the next century and beyond here on the shores of the Baltic Sea.
In his speech on the 75th anniversary of the Republic of Estonia in 1993, President Lennart Meri said that history is made by man and he does it day by day. “But sometimes history rarely crystallizes into itself, reveals itself as a visible and tangible symbol of the will of the people, as a summary of everything that has gone before and as a prerequisite for everything that is yet to come. A person perceives it as a new chapter in the book of times – in the book of times from which no one can tear out a page.” The creation of the Estonian state in 1918 is just such a chapter that cannot and must not be torn out of this book.
Russia’s invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022 was a turning point for Estonia and the whole world. But this day touches us even more deeply here in Estonia, because the war started by a neighboring country on the birthday of our home country revives images from our history. Just as we and our ancestors decided the future of our country, every nation must have this right. Therefore, one can only condemn the military activities of all these countries and rulers on the territory of other countries.
However, the military action in Ukraine has also made us think about what we are good at and what we can do even better for our country and people. The pillar of our country and the backbone of the future is a smart and educated people, and we can be proud and grateful for our teachers and children, who are already taking care of this today.
In order for the people to feel safe and protected, the heads of state must take care. To this end, today and tomorrow more and more must be invested in the country’s economy and population protection. To this end, we need to direct additional resources to maintain a sustainable economic environment, because if our country’s economy starts to decline, we will not be able to contribute enough to national defense spending and the protection of the population. In other words, our sense of security also depends on the strength of our economy.
Therefore, let’s not forget our main goal – a better and more caring Estonia. And this Estonia is not created by an abstract country, city or municipality. This Estonia is made by us, the people who live here.
I am sure that big achievements start with small steps. Small actions make up the whole, and this is also true for our country. The country of Estonia is our country every day and we keep it in our hearts. Everyday.
Mihail Kõlvart
Chairman of the Center Party
