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The President of the Republic handed over state decorations
22.02.2006


President Arnold Rüütel today handed 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, to 208 individuals at the festive ceremony ''Estonia is Grateful'', which took place at 11 am, at Kadriorg Art Museum.

''Among recipients of decorations are good teachers and well-known scientists, great creators and outstanding sportsmen. You have taught our children, you have been a great role model for them; you have taken the name of Estonia to the wide world and proved that the Estonian language and culture will have a future. There are good local government and public officials, members of the clergy and judiciary, journalists and promoters of economy among you. Thanks to your daily work the Republic of Estonia is becoming an increasingly reliable and sound home for its people,'' the President of the Republic said.

''The Republic of Estonia is also grateful to its supporters abroad who in difficult times and throughout years have been real friends. I am sincerely glad that there are so many of you,'' the President of the Republic said.

President Rüütel congratulated all recipients of awards on the 88th anniversary of the Republic of Estonia and wished them fulfilment with their work and their country.

The Archbishop of Estonian Evangelical Lutheran Church, Andres Põder, whose work of promoting the church life has been recognised with the 2nd class Order of the White Star, spoke on behalf of the honourees. In his speech, Archbishop Põder emphasised that accepting high awards of the Republic of Estonia we show respect towards our state and the high ideals and goals on which our state has been built and might make the life for our people much better.

Also Jan Olof Snihs, promoter of Estonian-Swedish cooperation in the field of radiation, who was awarded the 3rd class Order of the Cross of Terra Mariana, delivered a speech of gratitude.

As this year President Rüütel hands all state decorations over personally, the festive ceremony ''Estonia is Grateful'' is held in three parts. Today, at 4 pm, at Kadriorg Art Museum, 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 the Eagle.

At noon, on Friday, 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 1st and 2nd class Order of the National Coat of Arms


Public Relations Department of the Office of the President
Kadriorg, February 22, 2006


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