“We all know that the birth of the Republic of Estonia was not without bloodshed, but demanded high sacrifices of our nation. Today we remember the thousands who gave their lives for their country in the War of Independence, as well as all the wounded,” the prime minister said.

Estonia would always honor and remember all the heroes of the War of Independence and the founders of the Estonian state, Ratas said. “Likewise, we must never forget the brave Estonian service members who have fallen for our country and a safer world,” he stressed.

The year-long bloody conflicts in Europe and elsewhere in the world were a reminder to all that freedom and the democratic rule of law could never be taken for granted, Ratas said.

"We need to understand the real price of Estonia’s achievements and independence. I would like to thank and acknowledge all our international allies and partners. Supported by Britain, Finland, Sweden and Denmark, we achieved victory in the War of Independence. By now we are an inseparable part of the European Union and NATO, and only together can we stand up for a safe and free world,” the prime minister added.