We know Estonia
2.8.2012 | Person

August 20 – the day of restoration of independence

August 20 – the day of restoration of independence

August 20 – the day of restoration of independence

On August 20, 1988, I entered the Pilistvere Church with 104 compatriots. We had formed The Estonian National Independence Party (ERSP) as an alternative to the ruling Communist Party of the Soviet Union. Our aim was to restore the independence that had been lost by the Soviet occupation of Estonia in 1940. We were the first ones in Estonia to declare this standpoint publicly.

On that day, three years later, we could at last proclaim that our aim had been accomplished.

Between these two dates, I was involved in numerous events and battles on the road to freedom.

On February 24, 1989, ERSP, The Estonian Heritage Society and The Estonian Christian Alliance formed the Estonian Citizens’ Committees. The aim was to register all citizens of the pre-war Republic of Estonia and their descendants, and to form a legislative body – The Estonian Congress that was to replace the nonlawful Soviet power.

Out of one million Estonians, 790 000 registered. Out of these were 557 163 elected representatives to the Estonian Congress. No other popular vote in Estonia has attracted as many voters to the polls. It was probably one of the biggest citizens initiatives in the world.

On March 11, 1990 The Estonian Congress declared itself the legal representative of the Republic of Estonia. On August 19, 1991, the day of the coup in Moscow, the leaders of the Estonian Supreme Soviet invited delegates from The Estonian Congress to negotiations. On August 20, they jointly declared the restoration of independent Estonia.

This decision expressed the will of the people. When thinking back to these moments I feel proud of our people and nation!

Eve Pärnaste

Freedom fighter, previous political prisoner, artist Carrier of the III and V class Order of the National Coat of Arms

To learn more about this and similar topics

21.6.2023 | Person

Anett Kontaveit retires at 27

Anett Kontaveit retires at 27

Estonia’s number 1 women’s tennis player Anett Kontaveit has announced her retirement from professional tennis at the age of … Read more

18.12.2022 | Person

I have visited Tallinn at least 200 times and never get bored

I have visited Tallinn at least 200 times and never get bored

The West Port of Helsinki is a familiar place for Saila Björkman. From there, she has already boarded the … Read more

18.11.2022 | Leisure

Why is Estonian women’s tennis riding high at the moment?

Why is Estonian women’s tennis riding high at the moment?

The success of Anett Kontaveit (WTA 17) and Kaia Kanepi (WTA 29), as well as a number of promising … Read more

7.6.2022 | Shopping

Stylist Ženja Fokin on having his dream job – “I create stories with clothes”

Stylist Ženja Fokin on having his dream job – “I create stories with clothes”

The Baltic Guide: What gave you a boost towards the fashion world? Ženja Fokin: My journey into the world … Read more

30.5.2022 | Person

Jukka Toijala takes Estonia’s basketball team to the European Championships

Jukka Toijala takes Estonia’s basketball team to the European Championships

“It is amazing how well the head coach of the Estonian basketball team, who has only lived in Tallinn … Read more

24.5.2022 | Person

The Master and the Apprenctice

The Master and the Apprenctice

Two F1 drivers drive around the Imola depot in Bologna. Mika is known to everyone in the formula circles. … Read more

7.2.2022 | Person

Estonian Tourism Board Director Liina Maria Lepik: “Restrictions will certainly continue, but now we need to focus on what can and cannot be done”

Estonian Tourism Board Director Liina Maria Lepik: “Restrictions will certainly continue, but now we need to focus on what can and cannot be done”

Liina Maria Lepik, director of the Estonian Tourism Board, is already seeing the light at the end of the … Read more

15.6.2017 | Person

Interview: NOËP’s Andres Kõpper

Interview: NOËP’s Andres Kõpper

“Two years ago, I had a problem: I saw Rhianna in my dreams, every night in a row, for a … Read more