President Ilves posthumously awards fallen soldier with state honour

31 Aug 2010
Fallen soldier Herdis Sikka
© Kärt Liekis
31 Aug 2010
President Toomas Hendrik Ilves has posthumously bestowed the Cross of the Eagle on Junior Sergeant Herdis Sikka, who was killed yesterday while serving in Afghanistan. The Estonian head of state also made this entry in the book of condolences opened for the fallen soldier in the Ministry of Defence:

“Herdis, you fell fighting violence in the name of a more peaceful world. To a soldier there can be nothing more honourable than giving his life for his compatriots.

“My sincere condolences to the friends and family of Junior Sergeant Herdis Sikka.”

President Ilves today confirmed his decision to posthumously award Sikka with the Gold Cross of the Cross of the Eagle for his services to his country.


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