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President Ilves presented a commemorative stone to artistic associations to celebrate the restoration of independence
20.08.2016
On this year's anniversary of the restoration of Estonian independence President Toomas Hendrik Ilves presented artistic associations with a commemorative stone that was broken off from a boulder used to defend Toompea in 1991.
"Today, I will present the stone as a token of gratitude and acknowledgement to some of those who played a pivotal role in the new era of awakening in 1987 and laid the foundation for the restoration of our independence. These are the artistic associations of Estonia," said President Ilves, as he presented the commemorative stone to architect, politician and broadcaster Ignar Fjuk, who was instrumental in establishing the cultural council of Estonian artistic associations 29 years ago.
President Ilves initiated the presentation of the commemorative stone for the restoration of independence 10 years ago, when for the first time he invited those who have contributed to the regaining of Estonia's independence to a reception at the President's Rose Garden on 20 August.
In previous years, commemorative stones have been presented to individuals such as Heinz Valk in 2007, who coined one of the most famous phrases from the end of the 1980s and beginning of the 1990s, "One day, we will win regardless!"; freedom fighter Lagle Parek in 2008; in 2009, Peeter Milli, Jaanus Kokk, Uno Kaseväli, Jüri Joost, the defenders of the TV Tower during the August Putsch of 1991; in 2010, Jüri Leesment and, posthumously, Alo Mattiisen (accepted on behalf of Alo Mattiisen by his daughter Anna-Mariita Mattiisen), who wrote the iconic songs of the Singing Revolution; in 2011, those who voted to restore the independence at the Supreme Council on 20 August 1991 (accepted by former Deputy Chairman of the Supreme Council, Marju Lauristin); in 2012, the Heritage Conservation Movement (accepted by former Chairman of the Estonian Heritage Conservation Association Trivimi Velliste); in 2013, the journalists present at the scene during the period that Estonia regained its independence (accepted by Riina Eentalu and Erki Berends); in 2014, the Defence League (accepted by Defence League members Jaan Tätte and Raivo E. Tamm); and in 2015, the initiators of the Letter of 40 Intellectuals (accepted by Andres Tarand).
Office of the President
Public Relations Department
