Gallery: August 20 Club holds festive joint meeting at Toompea

Members of the August 20 Club on Thursday celebrated the Day of Restoration of Independence with a festive joint meeting in the White Hall at Toompea Castle, home off the Riigikogu. Guests were welcomed by Riigikogu speaker Henn Põlluaas and Prime Minister Jüri Ratas.
According to parliamentary speaker Henn Põlluaas, the establishment of the Estonian state in 1918 and its restoration in 1991 are unique and sublime historical events. "The August 20 decision symbolizes a truly monumental moment for our people, the beginning of a new era, the return from communist death," Põlluaas added.
The Riigikogu speaker thanked all members of the August 20 Club and people of Estonia, who helped along the restoration of independence.
Prime Minister Jüri Ratas thanked the 69 women and men who said their historic word for the restoration of Estonia's national independence on an evening 29 years ago. According to the head of government, at the risk of their personal destiny, they gave us all something invaluable - a once more liberated Estonia. "What is freedom for a small nation is a dream that has been made true and a reality for us," Ratas said. He thanked everyone who had worked for the restoration and reconstruction of the country and wished strength to Estonia.
In a topical presentation, August 20 Club member Ants Veetõusme recalled the restoration of Estonian statehood, cooperation with many international organizations and the importance of Baltic cooperation. Referring to the current events in Belarus, he said that it shows what will happen to the state and the people when power moves away from the people. "We must constantly monitor what is happening around us," Veetõusme added.
The August 20 Club brings together people, who were part of the Supreme Council of the Republic of Estonia, which was elected in 1990, and 29 years ago adopted the Resolution on the National Independence of Estonia which led to reindependence becoming a fact.
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Editor: Roberta Vaino