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The President of the Republic At the festive ceremony ''Estonia Thanks'' On February 23, 2005, at the Kadriorg Palace23.02.2005
Honourable recipients of decorations!
Dear guests!
Please accept my congratulations on the occasion of the anniversary of the Republic of Estonia and the high recognition of the state bestowed on you!
Tomorrow 87 years old Estonia has reason to be proud of her distinguished citizens and rejoice at her friends and supporters from all over the world. Today we express our heartfelt gratitude to the citizens of our state and to our friends whose deeds have served common good the most.
Just as in previous years, on the eve of the Day of Independence we express our gratitude to outstanding creative workers, entrepreneurs, and officials. Among today's recipients of awards there are again the sustainers of the continuity of our state, and restores of our independence from different people's movements and parties.
It does not matter what is your nationality, and it does not matter whether you are a scientist, a teacher, an athlete, a doctor or a soldier. More important is that those people have dedicatedly harnessed their calling and their creativity to serve our state and our people.
At least once in a year our state expresses recognition to people who have selflessly offered their help to those who have run into trouble. They are humanitarian aid providers, blood donors, and other rescuers of life. This year, there are more people who have served recognition for such activities, but due to natural disasters, also the number of people in need for help has been bigger than ever before. What happened at the time of the furious events at the turn of the year confirmed that among us there are many people who are capable to be empathetic and caring.
At all times, people have pondered over the question on what happiness depends. In the Western World it has been believed that happiness depends on one's virtue and its fruits. Here, those who are capable to recognise good and to strive towards it, are considered to be happy people. You have managed to do that.
Anton Hansen Tammsaare has written: ''There is one thing that we all need - our belief in ourselves. We have to have something in ourselves that would endure wear and tear of time, something that seems to be eternal to a certain extent.'' Dear recipients of decorations, you have had a great deal of that something in yourself and in your deeds.
I thank you for your diligence, courage, and your work that has made our life and also us better. Estonia thanks you!
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