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The President of the Republic conferred decorations23.02.2002
President Arnold Rüütel conferred state decorations at Kadriorg at noon today. On the festive ceremony "Estonia is Grateful", nearly two hundred scientists and cultural figures, outstanding sportsmen, distinguished politicians and freedom fighters received their decorations from the President.
In his address, President Rüütel said: "Although the anniversary of the Republic of Estonia turns our glances to history, it is just as important to speak also of our present and our future. As I already mentioned, among those recognised by our state, there are many people who have given Estonia the face she has today with their high professional skills, their calling, or their selfless devotion. It is not important whether one is a cultural figure, a farmer, a sportsman, a writer, a doctor, and official, or a soldier. Nor does it matter what nationality one represents. What matters is that each of you has made a contribution to increase the creativity of Estonia and helped to ensure the future of our country."
The Head of State also pointed out, that it was time to settle an old debt, which concerned us all, but especially those 69 members of the Supreme Council of Estonia, who voted for the restoration of the Republic of Estonia on August 20, 1991.
"With this step, they manifested the will of the Republic of Estonia and redeemed at least a fraction of the sufferings of the hundred thousands of people that the destruction of the sovereign statehood of the Republic of Estonia in 1940 had brought about," the President said. "For some people, it was not easy to come to terms with the idea that also people whose mandate was a legacy of the Soviet times participated in the restoration of the independent Estonia. And yet the people are one, and the continuity of the state is impossible without the continuity of generations. Furthermore, the restoration of Estonia's independence was manifested by means of a national agreement."
Eenok Haamer, the Rector of the Tartu Academy of Theology, who expressed the gratitude of the chevaliers of decorations, emphasised that nothing should be forgotten. Yet as he said, we should ask whether we have been grateful enough and really made our contribution so that one day, we could have a friendly, generous and happy Estonia.
Press Service of the Office of the President
Kadriorg, February 23, 2002
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