eesti keeles

Press Releases
Open in print mode

PRELIMINARY NOTICE: Celebration of the 88th anniversary of the Republic of Estonia
16.02.2006


The 88th anniversary of the Republic of Estonia will be celebrated with festive state ceremonies on February 22-24 in Tallinn.

This year, President Rüütel will personally hand over all state decorations at the ceremony ''Estonia is Grateful'', which will be held in three parts.

At 11 am, on Wednesday, February 22, President Rüütel will hand over the 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th class Order of the White Star, and the 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th class Order of the Cross of Terra Mariana at Kadriorg Art Museum.

At 4 pm, on February 22, President Rüütel will hand over the 5th class Order of the White Star, the Medal of the Order of the White Star, the Order of the Estonian Red Cross, and the Order of the Cross of Eagle at Kadriorg Art Museum.

At noon, on Thursday, February 23, at Kadriorg Art Museum, President Rüütel will hand over state decorations to 296 individuals whose activities have contributed to the restoration of Estonia's independence and reinforcement of the state, and the 1st class Order of the Cross of Terra Mariana, and the Orders of the National Coat of Arms.

At 7:34 am, on Friday morning, February 24, the state flag will be raised on the Tall Herman Tower on the Toompea Hill. At the flag-raising ceremony, Chairman of the Riigikogu Ene Ergma will give a speech.

At 10 am, the President of the Republic will inspect a parade of the Defence Forces in Liberty Square, which will be led by the Commander of the Defence Forces, Vice Admiral Tarmo Kõuts, who will also give a speech.

At 11:30 am, the President of the Republic and Mrs Ingrid Rüütel will attend the Independence Day service in the Kaarli Church.

At 1 pm, on Toompea, in the hall of the Academy of Sciences, Prime Minister Andrus Ansip will hand over this year's National Science, Culture and Sports Prizes, as well as the National Language Award.

At 6 pm, a festive concert dedicated to the 88th anniversary of the Republic of Estonia will begin in the Estonian National Opera, where President Arnold Rüütel will deliver his Independence Day speech. A reception hosted by the President of the Republic and Mrs. Ingrid Rüütel will follow the concert. Estonian Television will televise the anniversary celebrations live.

NOTICE TO PRESS!

Journalists wishing to cover the ceremony ''Estonia is Grateful'' on February 22 and 23 are requested to register by calling the phone number 6316229 or sending an e-mail to kaidi.aher@vpk.ee by 11 am on Tuesday, February 21.

Journalists who wish to cover the events taking place on February 24 are requested to apply for accreditation to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Press Centre by 12:00 on Monday, February 20, calling the phone number 6317630 or sending an e-mail to centre@vm.ee , indicating the name of journalist, photographer or cameraman, personal identification code, the name of media organisation, as well as the event to be covered.

At 3 pm on Wednesday, February 22, a background briefing on the anniversary events and possibilities to cover them will take place at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Press Centre (Islandi Väljak 1), representatives of the Office of the President, Protocol Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Personal Protection Service participating. Accredited journalist will receive their nametags during the briefing or from the reception desk of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. No nametags will be distributed at the events. The use of cameras, microphones or dictaphones is not allowed at the briefing.


Public Relations Department of the Office of the President
Kadriorg, February 16, 2006


© 2006 Office of the President l tel: + 372 631 6202 l fax: + 372 631 6250 l sekretarvpk.ee