Decision to declare independence marked with plaque at Estonia Theatre
Prime Minister Jüri Ratas (Center) on Sunday presented Estonian National Opera director Aivar Mäe with a plaque commemorating the 100th anniversary of the decision of the Council of the Elders of the Estonian National Council to draw up Estonia's Declaration of Independence, which was made at a meeting held at Estonia Theatre.
"It was here, in the rooms of Estonia Theatre, that a joint meeting of the Council of the Elders of the Estonian National Council and the Provincial Government of the Autonomous Governorate of Estonia was held on the top floor of Estonia under the name of the Intellectuals Club," Ratas said according to a government press release.
On Feb. 18, 1918, it was decided that, because legitimate opportunities to declare independence had been exhausted, a manifesto addressed to the people must be drawn up proclaiming the establishment of the Republic of Estonia.
"Today, 100 years later, we know that the history of our people and our country has been difficult and complicated," said the prime minister. "We are glad that we can celebrate our country's centennial in a free country and in a time of peace."
Estonian independence was first proclaimed in Pärnu on Feb. 23, 1918, with the reading of the Manifesto to the People's of Estonia.
The commemorative plaque has been put on display in the theater's White Hall.
Editor: Aili Vahtla
