Estonia Restoration of Independence Day

Estonia Restoration of Independence Day

August 20In the 20th century, Estonia was a sovereign state from 1919 to 1940. At that time, it was forced to become a socialist republic of the Soviet Union. Then, in 1991, the Soviet Union collapsed, and the three Baltic countries of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania regained their independence. On August 20 of that year, Estonia formally re-established its independence following a national referendum.
Throughout 2008, the country celebrated its 90th anniversary as a republic. The government encouraged citizens to devote the entire month of August to appreciating the blessings of independence and to remembering the Estonian patriots who suffered through exile and resistance during the Soviet era.
Estonia Restoration of Independence Day is one of three days on which the national flag must be hoisted on state buildings. (The other two days are Estonia Victory Day and Estonia Independence Day.)
CONTACTS:
Estonia Embassy in Washington
2131 Massachusetts Ave. N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20008
202-588-0101; fax: 202-588-0108
www.estemb.org/embassy
Estonian Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Press and Information Dept.
Islandi Väljak
Tallinn 15049 Estonia