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The President of the Republic honoured chevaliers of orders22.05.2002
 President Arnold Rüütel today at Kadriorg presented six meritorious public and cultural figures with highest national honours Orders of the Republic of Estonia.
The Head of State in his words of thanks emphasized that wellbeing of the Republic of Estonia depended on people committed to Estonia. "Independent Estonia, first and foremost, is a mission and creative work. It is not granted to Estonia to be grand in terms of size, thus, it is our obligation to be grand in terms of spirit. And so, we thank those who have shared in bearing with us this obligation," the President said.
Max Jakobson, Finnish diplomat and the Chairman of the International Commission Investigating Crimes against Humanity in recognition of his services to the Republic of Estonia was decorated with the I Class Order of the Cross of Terra Mariana. Addressing him, the President said: "You have been capable of seeing and analysing boundaries drawn on the water, but which have great importance in politics and in international relations. You have shared your intellectual capacity with Estonia. The international commission lead by you has done a very good job. Please accept our heartfelt acknowledgement for all this."
The President addressed also the other honorees in person, for example Hindrek Peeter Meri, the late State Auditor having merited the II Class Order of the White Star, with the following words: "You have been an Estonian state official in the best sense of this word. You have made us believe that the Estonian state is our common responsibility. Our younger generation of officials, growing and taking shape, have a firm basis whence to move forward."
Bishop Einar Soone who for years has belonged to the leaders of the Estonian Evangelical Lutheran Church, and who also in the years of occupation stood up for preserving and promoting spiritual values, was decorated with the II Class Order of the Estonian Red Cross. The Head of State conferred the IV Class Order of the National Coat of Arms on Ants Tammleht, restorer of local governments on the island of Saaremaa, and the V Class Order of the National Coat of Arms on Ants Järvesaar, one of the 67 Members of the Supreme Council of Estonia who have supported the restoration of independence. On behalf of actress Linda Rummo, decorated with the IV Class Order of the White Star, the award was accepted by Riina Viiding, the secretary of the Theatre Union.
Press Service of the Office of the President
Kadriorg, May 22, 2002
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