Congratulations to you all!
To begin, a quote that echoes from long ago:
‘That we are impeded by economic hardships, social shortcomings, and political disagreements – what of it! But if we make use of our national opportunities, then no doubt we will structure our lives however the conditions allow and we ourselves desire.’
Those words were spoken by Jaan Tõnisson a century ago on the seventh anniversary of the founding of the Republic of Estonia, February 24th, 1925.
The statement contains pride in our national independence. Faith that it allows us all to grow wiser and more prosperous. Hope that we can utilise our opportunities.
I quote Tõnisson because I read biographies of varying lengths on each of you, which helped me to make my decisions regarding Estonia’s state decorations and thus brought us all together here today. Time and again, I marvelled at how much can fit into a single lifetime; how much one person can achieve. It evokes envy; it certainly does for me.
However, underlying this all is one’s desire and ability to do their job while understanding and caring for their companions. It is a breadth of vision and action that this year’s recipients have in common.
Estonia can rely on you, and you give Estonia its face. That face shows wisdom and attentiveness, determination and industriousness, tenacity and forgiveness, but maybe also a bit of defiance and stubbornness, self-assurance and self-willedness. Everything that makes a person human, and that’s just what society needs us to be.
No part of that makes us unoriginal like freshly mowed grass. The more that we recognise every person’s right to be themselves, that we acknowledge differing opinions, that we have the courage and ability to debate with well-argued positions, then the stronger we will be. Silencing debate, demanding obedience and forcing everyone to hold only one opinion will only erode that strength.
Over the last few years, we’ve given ever greater consideration to international events and worried whether and how they might affect Estonia. The list of this year’s recipients of state decorations confirms that they affect us directly.
I’m heartened by the fact that Estonia has so many supporters, so many allies. We are not alone, and we will not be left alone – that is the importance of allies, naturally under the premise that we ourselves have the will, abilities, and capability to defend Estonia. I affirm to you that we possess all three: will, abilities, and capability.
Just as I began my speech, I’d like to conclude with words spoken by Jaan Tõnisson a century ago, on February 24th, 1925.
‘Haughty conceit should not prevent us from declaring that we are the deciders of our own fate under the aegis of national independence.’
Tõnisson’s declaration holds more pride than worry, so it is a fine wish for us all. To be the deciders of our own fate in an independent Estonia!
Long live Estonia!
