President of the Republic awards decorations to 168 people
09.02.2000

President Lennart Meri signed yesterday afternoon the resolution to award state decorations for services to the Republic of Estonia and to the people of Estonia to 168 people on the occasion of the 82nd anniversary of the Republic of Estonia.

As the President said, the voluntary and unselfish contribution of these people has helped to forge the Estonian society, and that the Republic of Estonia and the people of Estonia, as well as the common democratic values and the European cultural environment have become stronger as a result of their work.

The examples and paragons we set to ourselves reflect the attitudes important for Estonia and show the links between the past and the future. Estonia thanks people who have helped to build Estonia, to restore the independence of our country, and to secure the international position of the Republic of Estonia.

On the year 2000, Estonia thanks the men and women who have shaped, preserved, or chronicled our recent history, brave life-savers, the politicians and philanthropists of our neighbouring countries, the bearers and restorers of Estonian political ideas, scientists and physicians, schoolteachers and clergymen, helpers of our children and elderly people, preservers of nature, creators and scholars of art and culture.

President of the Republic and the County Governors will confer the decorations on the eve of the Independence Day.

Please find enclosed the text of the Resolution of the President of the Republic. Additional information is available from the Office of the President.


Press Service of the Office of the President

Kadriorg, February 9, 2000

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PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC RESOLUTION

No. 730

Conferment of State Decorations


In connection with Independence Day and services to the Republic of Estonia, I hereby confer the following state decorations:

I Class Order of the Cross of St. Mary's Land

Roman Herzog - President of the Federal Republic of Germany, 1994–1999
Margaretha af Ugglas - Swedish Minister of Foreign Affairs, 1991–1994

II Class Order of the Cross of St. Mary's Land

Andreas Meyer-Landrut - Director of the Office of the President of Germany 1989–1994

III Class Order of the Cross of St. Mary's Land

ĺhsan Doğramaci - scholar from Turkey
Veli Olavi Klami - promoter of musical contacts between Estonia and Finland
Rauni Uolevi Sylvester Lassander - promoter of musical contacts between Estonia and Finland
François Loeb - Economist from Switzerland

IV Class Order of the Cross of St. Mary's Land

Burchard Johann Friedrich Lieberg - Clergyman from Germany
Norbert Riedl - promoter of Estonian–Austrian cultural relations
Gustav von Rosen - promoter of the Noarootsi heritage in Estonia
Anna Žīgure - promoter of Estonian-Latvian cultural relations
Horst Schubert - mediator of the Estonian music
Teitur Thordarson - football coach
Kasturi Lal Vig - Honorary Consul of Estonia in India

II Class Order of the National Coat of Arms

Tõnu Kaljuste - choir conductor, promoter of Estonia's public image in the world
Endel Lippmaa - scientist, chronicler of the recent history
Rein Taagepera - scientist, chronicler of the recent history

III Class Order of the National Coat of Arms

Raimund Hagelberg - economist
Arvo Niitenberg - Ambassador, energetician
Endel Ratas - freedom fighter
Vello Salum - freedom fighter, pastor
Eerik-Juhan Truuväli - lawyer, public servant

IV Class Order of the National Coat of Arms

Jaak Aaviksoo - physicist, Rector of the Tartu University
Heiki Ahonen - freedom fighter
Toomas Haug - literary historian
Mati Kiirend - freedom fighter
Gustav Maarand - pastor
Ivar Paljak - engineer, preserver of the continuity of the Republic of Estonia
Arvo Pesti - freedom fighter
Kulle Raig - restorer of the Estonian mission in Finland, promoter of cultural relations
Harald Tillemann - freedom fighter

V Class Order of the National Coat of Arms

Albert Miilmaa - preserver of the Estonian spirit in England

II Class Order of the White Star

Jüri Arrak - artist
Harald Rajamets - translator, freedom fighter of military merits
Jüri Raidla - barrister
Jüri Rätsep - judge
Olev Subbi - artist
Endel Tulving - psychologist, preserver of the Estonian research traditions in Canada
Erkki-Sven Tüür - composer, musician

III Class Order of the White Star

Arvi Altmäe - pedagogue, promoter of home decoration, preserver of the continuity of the Republic of Estonia
Kuno Areng - choir conductor
Krista Aru - media historian
Hellar Grabbi - Preserver of the continuity of the Republic of Estonia
Endel Heinleht - wildlife preserver
Rutt Hinrikus - literary historian, preserver of recent history
Kalle Kasemaa - scholar of theology, pastor, scholar of the Orient
Arvo Kruusement - film director
Kaie Kõrb - ballet artist
Lembit Lauri - journalist, preserver of recent history
Viivi Luik - writer
Helju Mikkel - promoter of folk dances
Mihkel Mutt - writer
Elmo Nüganen - actor, theatre director, theatre producer
Sirje Olesk - literary historian
Matti Päts - public servant
Aare Reenumägi - lawyer, public servant
Kaja Tael - public servant
Ülo Tedre - folklore scholar
Mati Unt - writer, theatre director
Arvo Vallikivi (Valton) - writer
Tõnu Viik - scientist
Aarne Vinkel - scholar of literature

IV Class Order of the White Star

Otto Amer - teacher
Ann Audova - artist
Sigrid Haage - public servant
Edgar August Heinsoo - mediator of humanitarian aid, pastor
Mall Hellam - promoter of the ideas of open society
Jüri Leesment - lyrics writer
Ivo Linna - singer
Rein Maran - film director, wildlife preserver
Ruth Mirov - folklore scholar
Endel Nirk - scholar of literature
Udo Petersoo - preserver of the continuity of the Republic of Estonia, Bishop
Inge Unt - pedagogy researcher

V Class Order of the White Star

Taavi Esko - teacher
Manivalde Jõgi - teacher
Rafael Kindsigo - teacher, promoter of social life
Lilian-Astrid Kivi - scholar of pedagogy
Hilja Kukk - bibliographer, preserver of the continuity of the Republic of Estonia
Lembit Känd - State Audit Official
Kaarel Kübar - retired sportsman
Tiit Leito - wildlife preserver
Jaan Liiv - agrarian
Helve Ratnik - lawyer, county official
Linda Raus - national dance master
Tiiu-Ann Salasoo - teacher, preserver of the Estonian spirit in Australia
Lembit Tepp - census officer, chronicler of the recent history
Olav Vallimäe - teacher, local government activist

Medal of the White Star

Elsa Brück - archive official
Edgar Marten - teacher
Sven Salin - promoter of the Rannarootsi culture (culture of the Swedes who live on the North-Western coast of Estonia)
Ants Tomp - teacher
Heino Tonsiver - municipal official
Elem Treier - literary historian

I Class Order of the Estonian Red Cross

Argo Kõvamees - physician

II Class Order of the Estonian Red Cross

Hans Imanen - blood donor
Aili Kogerman - welfare officer of the elderly
Else von Samson-Himmelstjerna - mediator of humanitarian aid from Germany

III Class Order of the Estonian Red Cross

Anne-Marie Mathilde Helena De Geer af Finspång - mediator of humanitarian aid from Sweden
Lii Jannus-Pruljan - physician
Hubert-Viktor Kahn - physician
Merike Martinson - physician
Arnold Paroll - physician
Horst Skopp - mediator of humanitarian aid from Germany
Härm Villiam Soopõld - physician
Matti-Kaarel Sõmermaa - rescuer
Rando Truve - physician
Rein Uba - blood donor

IV Class Order of the Estonian Red Cross

Heino Eerme - children's welfare officer
Hele Kaljuvee - welfare officer of the elderly
Rein Metsvahi - blood donor
Marina Mägi - children's welfare officer
Kuido Nõmme - fireman
Ester Puusepp - nurse
Karli Sassi - rescuer

V Class Order of the Estonian Red Cross

Ain Karafin - rescuer
Mati Luhamägi - blood donor
Valve Mäesalu - blood donor
Aivar Naudi - rescuer

Medal of the Estonian Red Cross

Silver Parts - life saver

II Class Order of the Cross of the Eagle

Michael Hesselholt Clemmesen - Commander of the Baltic Defense College
Ants Laaneots - military

III Class Order of the Cross of the Eagle

Georg von Erlach - Military Attaché of Switzerland to Estonia, 1994–1998
Peter Henrik Hendrikson - Military Attaché of the United States to Estonia, 1996–2000
Kjeld G. H. Hillingsø - Danish military, consultant
Yrjö Artturi Honkanen - Military Attaché of Finland to Estonia, 1992–1995
Teo Krüüner - military
Jens Christian Lund - Danish military, consultant
Oskar Mark - military
Albert Saar - freedom fighter of military merit

IV Class Order of the Cross of the Eagle

Seppo Kaarlo Ilmari Haario - educator of Estonian officers in Finland
Arnold Leetsar - freedom fighter of military merit
Pentti Johannes Lehtimäki - educator of Estonian officers in Finland
Jussi Tapani Anton Saressalo - educator of Estonian officers in Finland
Seppo Tapio Tanskanen - educator of Estonian officers in Finland
Ants Teetsov - public servant

V Class Order of the Cross of the Eagle

Elret Epner - freedom fighter of military merit
Vaido Halliküla - member of the Defense Forces
Leonhard Heinla - freedom fighter of military merit
Lembit Kadalipp - freedom fighter of military merits
Konstantin Kaja - freedom fighter of military merit
Erika Kask - freedom fighter of military merit
Aivar Lõhmus - border guard officer
Eerik Murusalu - freedom fighter of military merit
Guido Muttikas - freedom fighter of military merit
Mati Pokkinen - border guard officer
August Ruben - freedom fighter of military merit
Hilja Sarapuu - freedom fighter of military merit
Arvi Sillam - freedom fighter of military merit
Karl-Richard Sirel - freedom fighter of military merit
Olav Sööt - freedom fighter of military merit
Feliks Tipner - freedom fighter of military merit
Ago Vallas - freedom fighter of military merit, census officer
Harald Vanamölder - freedom fighter of military merit
Peeter Võrk - freedom fighter of military merit

Gold Cross of the Cross of the Eagle

Raigo Haabu - police officer
Toivo Kamenik - police officer
Ants Kiviselg - border guard officer
Jaan Koiduaru - freedom fighter
Aimar Köss - border guard officer
Elmar Maasik - local history researcher
Sven-Harry Raabe - Defense Leaguer
Voldemar Tokman - rescuer

Silver Cross of the Cross of the Eagle

Enn Kuusik - police officer
Vahur Metsatalu - police officer
Knut Mitt - border guard officer
Raivo Palu - police officer
Kalju Rammu - police officer


Source: Clause 15, Section 78 of the Constitution of the Republic of
Estonia, Section 9 of the Decorations Act.


Lennart Meri

Kadriorg, February 8, 2000

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ESTONIA THANKS 2000

Second list

Jaak Aaviksoo, for his efficient work in reforming Tartu University as a research and development leader of the university and chairman of the University budget commission, remarkable contribution to the drafting of the University Act, the Tartu University Act and the Statutes of Tartu University.

Heiki Ahonen, for his contribution as a freedom fighter, bearer of the idea of the national sovereignty of Estonia, organiser of the research of recent history. Chairman of the Estonian Kisler-Ritso Foundation.

Arvi Altmäe, Director of the Tallinn Building and Mechanics Vocational School from 1983, Rector of the Tallinn Technical College from 1992 till today, Chairman of Council of the Rectors of Vocational Schools from 1993. Was elected the Chairman of the General Commission of the Elections of the Estonian Congress in 1990, Chairman of the Estonian Home Decoration Society from 1999. For his remarkable contribution to the restoration of the Estonian independence and development of higher education.

Otto Amer, Headmaster of Kadrina Secondary School from 1963. Promoter and implementer of the integrated school type. Founder of the Estonian Headmasters Union.

Kuno Areng, conductor and pedagogue, founder of many choirs, general conductor of the Song Festivals, recognised scholar of choir music, member of international juries.

Jüri Arrak, painter. Has considerably enriched the Estonian culture with his works of art, author of many distinguished compositions, portraits, also monumental altar paintings, etc.

Krista Aru, media historian. Has contributed considerably to the research and promoting of the history of the Estonian media and development of the Literary Museum of Estonia.

Ann Audova, a distinguished representative of the ''Pallas'' school of painting, resisted the pressure of the Soviet administration in her creative art, maintained her individual and independent style, also in the 1940s and the 1950s.

Elsa Brück, for long (over 47 years) and conscientious work in the Estonian history archive. Has described and systematised archives, including the personal archives of scientists, drafted methodical guides, published scientific articles on the basis of extensive research work.

Michael H. Clemmesen, for developing the military co-operation between Estonia and Denmark, supporting the foundation of the Baltic Defence College, and supporting the development of the Estonian Defence Forces.

Anne-Marie Mathilde Helena De Geer af Finspång, for the support to the Estonian welfare institutions and organising the reception of the children from the Estonian orphanages and medical institutions in Sweden. Was elected the Woman of the Year 1998 in Sweden considering her activities in Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania.

ĺhsan Doğramaci, promoter of the Estonian-Turkish co-operation, philanthropist and scholar, founder of the Bilkent Private University.

Heino Eerme, Director of the Viiratsi Orphanage from 1993, was the initiator of the family-type orphanages in Estonia. The Viiratsi Orphanage is one of the best in Estonia. Chairman of the Union of the Directors of the Children's Welfare Institutions of Estonia.

Elret Epner, freedom fighter of military merit, participated actively in the movement of the Estonian volunteers in the Finnish Army in 1944.

Georg von Erlach, for active contribution to the development of Swiss-Estonian military relations, has arranged equipment donations to the Estonian defence forces.

Taavi Esko, has been a music teacher and choir conductor in Kuusalu for 26 years. Conductor of the school's children's choir and mixed choir, as well as the Kolga mixed choir, general conductor of the school choirs on the Harju County Song Days, founder and general conductor of the all-Estonian schoolchildren's choir.

Hellar Grabbi, preserver of the continuity of the Republic of Estonia. For his Considerable contribution to the Estonian literature and culture both in exile and after the restoration of independence. Has translated and edited Estonian literature, a long-time editor of the ''Mana''. Was one of the leading figures in founding the political movements ''Eesti Kodanike Liit'' (Union of the Estonian Citizens) and ''Parem Eesti'' (Better Estonia).

Raigo Haabu, for the contribution to the defence of the constitutional order and territorial integrity of Estonia, participated actively in legislative process, educating of policemen and international co-operation.

Sigrid Haage, for excellence in public service, considerable contribution to the development and organisation of the work in the Office of the President of the Republic since the restoration of the Office in 1992.

Seppo Kaarlo Ilmari Haario, for educating the Estonian officers in Finland.

Raimund Hagelberg, distinguished economist and professor, founder of the studies of financing and credit in the Tartu University. One of the ideological fathers of the Estonian monetary reform and fiscal policy of Estonia, organiser and conductor of the fiscal research work, member of the President's Academic Council.

Vaido Halliküla, for the improvement and modernisation of military equipment, drafting and implementation of the respective documentation.

Toomas Haug, for the contribution to the restoration of Estonia's independence as a press representative of the Estonian Committee and an active member of the Estonian Congress.

Leonhard Heinla, freedom fighter of military merit.

Endel Heinleht, for the contribution to the development of forestry and courage shown in wildlife preservation and extinguishing of forest fires.

Edgar August Heinsoo, for mediating the US aid to the Estonian fugitives living in Germany as a representative of the Estonian Red Cross in 1946.

Mall Hellam, for the contribution to the development of the civic society and the third sector.

Peter Henrik Hendrikson, the Military Attaché of the United States of America, Lieutenant Captain. For promoting the military co-operation between Estonia and the United States of America.

Roman Herzog, for ensuring Germany's support to the restoration of Estonia's independence.

Kjeld G. H. Hillingsø, counsellor in the matters of Estonia's security and NATO, for consistence in pursuing the subject of the security of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania in the Danish press.

Rutt Hinrikus, literary historian, researcher of recent history, for the contribution to the collection and publication of the Estonian biographies.

Yrjö Artturi Honkanen, the first Finnish military attaché in Estonia, 1992-1995, contributed to the development of the Estonian Defence Forces.

Hans Imanen, blood donor, who has donated blood 146 times.

Manivalde Jõgi, a long-time physical education teacher at the Lümandu Elementary School, active local history researcher, organiser of local and county sports and culture events, Saaremaa Folklore Award in 1995, Award of the Maritime Culture Society in 1999.

Lembit Kadalipp, freedom fighter of military merit, forest brother.

Konstantin Kaja, freedom fighter of military merit. Chairman of the Järva Society of the Estonian military.

Hubert-Viktor Kahn, contribution to the development of work welfare in Estonia.

Tõnu Kaljuste, choir conductor, promoter of Estonia's public image in the world.

Hele Kaljuvee, for the contribution to the development of pension legislation in Estonia.

Toivo Kamenik, for the organisation of the preliminary investigation of war crimes and crimes against humanity, development of the information systems of the Defence Police.

Ain Karafin, for his contribution to the establishment and development of the Estonian rescue structures and rescue legislation, management of rescue institutions and their surveillance structures.

Kalle Kasemaa, preserver of the continuity of academic theological education. One of the initiators of the re-opening of the theology department of the Tartu University. Author of several translations with academic comments from the Semitic languages, Hebrew and Greek, translator of the Old Testament.

Erika Kask, freedom fighter of military merit.

Mati Kiirend, freedom fighter, member of the Estonian Democratic Movement and the Estonian Group for the Disclosure of the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact.

Rafael Kindsigo, for the preservation of the cultural heritage of the Räpina neighbourhood; has conducted the local folk instruments orchestra, band, women's ensemble and acting society, staged 4 plays.

Lilian-Astrid Kivi, for promoting additional training for teachers.

Ants Kiviselg, for the contribution to the development of the Estonian border guard and to the border guard staff policy, for the organisation of training and additional training.

Veli Olavi Klami, for promoting the Estonian music, conductors, and musicians abroad, especially in the Republic of Finland.

Aili Kogerman, for developing modern policy concerning the elderly people.

Jaan Koiduaru, for saving in 1946 the memorial plaque of the trainee soldiers who had fallen in the War of Liberty, and preserving it until the end of the occupation.

Arvo Kruusement, film director. Has considerably enriched the cultural landscape of Estonia, merited for the film versions of the heritage of Oskar Luts.

Teo Krüüner, for the restoration and development of Estonian Air Forces.

Hilja Kukk, bibliographer, archive official and translator, preserver of the continuity of the Republic of Estonia.

Enn Kuusik, for excellent service on defence Rule of Law and detection of crimes, sharing his skills and experience with younger colleagues.

Kaie Kõrb, for the contribution to the Estonian ballet, promotion of dance studies in Estonia.

Argo Kõvamees, for the support to the medical institutions of Estonia.

Lembit Känd, for excellent service in the State Audit Office.

Aimar Köss, for the establishment and development of the information systems of the Estonian border guard, for antedating, detection and prevention of the violations of law on the border.

Kaarel Kübar, for athletic accomplishment on global plane (Argentine Cup 1937).

Ants Laaneots, for the contribution to the restoration of the Estonian Defence Forces and to the promotion of its international reputation of the Estonian Defence Forces.

Rauni Uolevi Sylvester Lassander, for promoting musical contacts between Estonia and Finland.

Lembit Lauri, for recording the recent history of Estonia.

Jüri Leesment, for the contribution to the restoration of Estonian sovereignty through creative art.

Arnold Leetsar, freedom fighter of military merit (forest brother).

Pentti Johannes Lehtimäki, organiser of the educating of Estonian officers in Finland.

Tiit Leito, for the long-standing fruitful work to propagate the concept of the Estonian nature as part of the national culture.

Burchard Johann Friedrich Lieberg, for the organisation and co-ordination of material support to the Estonian churches and other structures.

Jaan Liiv, for the development of Estonian agriculture.

Ivo Linna, for the contribution to the development of the Estonian music culture.

Endel Lippmaa, for the contribution to the restoration of the Estonian sovereignty.

Francois Loeb, for the re-initiation and developing of the Swiss-Estonian political and economic relations.

Mati Luhamägi, blood donor, has donated blood 100 times.

Viivi Luik, poet and prose writer, one of the more translated Estonian authors, for introducing Estonia to the world.

Jens Christian Lund Colonel, Commander of the Defence District and the Guard of the Prince Of Denmark, conductor of the training of the Estonian defence forces. Promoter of the security, defence capacity, and international prestige of Estonia.

Aivar Lõhmus, for excellent service, for the services in the establishment of the communication and surveillance systems of the Estonian border guard, for the establishment and implementation of modern technical basis.

Gustav Maarand, who, in 1951, concealed and preserved the monument for the soldiers fallen in the War of Liberty.

Elmar Maasik, for the long-standing activities in local culture research, culturological and museological activities.

Rein Maran, for the long-time work as a director of the films about nature, for propagating the Estonian nature.

Oskar Mark, for the successful management of the Operative Department of the General Staff of the Defence Forces and for the successful organisation and development of the operative work of the defence forces.

Edgar Marten, for the long fruitful work as a teacher of the Estonian language.

Merike Martinson, initiator of the Support Fund of the Tallinn Children's Hospital and the Union of the Tallinn Hospitals.

Vahur Metsatalu, for developing the contribution with the police institutions of other countries, successful work in the field of crime prevention.

Rein Metsvahi, blood donor, has donated blood 112 times.

Andreas Meyer-Landrut, for the discreet and efficient work for the restoration and development of the Estonian sovereignty. Germany's support to Estonia (e.g. on the EU Summit in Copenhagen in 1993) was due to the work of Meyer-Landrut to a great extent.

Albert Miilmaa, for the preservation of the Estonian spirit in Great Britain

Helju Mikkel, for the contribution to the Estonian folk dancing, organisation of dance festivals.

Ruth Mirov, for the contribution to the studies of literature.

Knut Mitt, for the excellent service in the border guard, training and commanding of the crew of Estonia's largest border guard vessel, for the successful conducting of maritime rescue operations.

Eerik Murusalu, freedom fighter of military merit, Estonian volunteer in the Finnish Army in 1944.

Guido Muttikas, freedom fighter of military merit, Estonian volunteer in the Finnish Army in 1944.

Mihkel Mutt, for the contribution to modern prose, for maintaining the culture media.

Valve Mäesalu, blood donor, donated blood 100 times.

Marina Mägi, for the successful educational and social work at Otepää; M. Mägi is the initiator of founding the children's rehabilitation treatment centre ''Võrukael'', and the Otepää day care centre-welfare home.

Aivar Naudi, for the services in building up and developing the Lääne County rescue service and reorganisation of the rescue school.

Arvo Niitenberg, for the contribution to the development of the Estonian statehood.

Endel Nirk, for the contributions to literary history.

Kuido Nõmme, for the contribution to the establishment and development of the voluntary fire brigade and firefighting propaganda.

Elmo Nüganen, for the contributions to the art of theatre, for building up the Tallinn City Theatre.

Sirje Olesk, for the contributions to the Estonian literary studies.

Ivar Paljak, for the contribution to the preservation of the continuity of the Republic of Estonia.

Raivo Palu, for the contribution in launching the Estonian police structures, for the successful work for securing public order in Estonia, for reviving the historical traditions of the police, for the guidance to young policemen.

Arnold Paroll, for the lifetime work as the surgeon of the Hiiumaa Hospital.

Silver Parts, for the courage in rescuing a fire victim.

Arvo Pesti, freedom fighter, bearer of the idea of the Estonian national sovereignty, researcher of recent history.

Udo Petersoo, for protecting and preserving the continuity of the Republic of Estonia and the Church of Estonia.

Mati Pokkinen, for conscientious service in the border guard, for the services in the establishment and efficient management of the surveillance system of the Peipsi border section, for the successful conduction of rescue operations.

Lii Jannus-Pruljan, for the contribution to the struggle against tuberculosis.

Ester Puusepp, for the contribution to the training and organisation of the Estonian nurses.

Matti Päts, for contributions to the patent law, for protecting the national symbols of Estonia on international level.

Sven-Harry Raabe, for contributions to the restoration of the Defence League, for the long and successful leadership of the Lääne Sub-unit of the Tallinn Unit of the Defence League.

Jüri Raidla, for the contribution to the development of Estonian statehood.

Kulle Raig, for the promotion of Estonian-Finnish cultural relations.

Harald Rajamets, for the translation of the finest works of the world literature to Estonian; freedom fighter of military merit.

Kalju Rammu, for excellent service in the police.

Endel Ratas, freedom fighter, one of the drafters of the Baltic Appeal.

Helve Ratnik, for conscientious service as the Järva County secretary.

Linda Raus, for the services in preserving the folk dance heritage, for organising folk dance festivals.

Aare Reenumägi, for the contribution to the development of Estonian legislation.

Norbert Riedl, for the initiation and development of the Estonian-Austrian cultural relations, for introducing the Estonian culture in Austria.

Gustav Frhr. von Rosen, preserver of the Noarootsi heritage.

August Ruben, freedom fighter of military merit, forest brother.

Jüri Rätsep, for the contribution to the restoration of the Estonian independence and developing the Estonian jurisprudence.

Albert Saar, freedom fighter of military merit.

Tiiu-Ann Salasoo, for promoting the teaching of Estonian language in Australia, for issuing the textbook ''Estonian for Beginners'', for initiating the essay competitions in 1998 and 1999.

Sven Salin, for the services in preserving the heritage of the Estonian Swedes.

Vello Salum, freedom fighter. For the services in preserving the cultural heritage and promoting cultural activities in the Pilistvere neighbourhood.

Else v. Samson-Himmelstjerna, for the organisation of humanitarian aid to Estonia.

Hilja Sarapuu, freedom fighter of military merit, participated in the struggle of the forest brothers.

Jussi Tapani Anton Saressalo, for the services in educating Estonian officers.

Karli Sassi, for the contribution of the development of Tallinn firefighting and rescue service in Tallinn, active also in civil defence.

Horst Schubert, for propagating the Estonian musical culture in Germany.

Arvi Sillam, freedom fighter of military merit, Estonian volunteer in the Finnish Army in 1944.

Karl-Richard Sirel, freedom fighter of military merit, founder and chairman of the Võru Military Union.

Horst Skopp, for services in mediating humanitarian aid.

Härm Villiam Soopõld, for conscientious innovation work in the field of gynaecology.

Olev Subbi, for the preservation and development of the traditions of Estonian art.

Matti-Kaarel Sõmermaa, for conscientious work in the organisation and conducting of firefighting and rescue operations, for personal courage.

Olav Sööt, freedom fighter of military merit (forest brother).

Seppo Tapio Tanskanen, for the services in educating Estonian officers in Finland.

Anna Žigure, for the services in promoting cultural relations between Estonia and Latvia.

Rein Taagepera, for initiating the idea of the register of Estonian citizens.

Kaja Tael, for conscientious public service, for contributions to the co-ordination of the foreign policy of the Republic of Estonia.

Ülo Tedre, for services in developing the studies of Estonian literature.

Ants Teetsov, for the services in the establishment of international relations for the Estonian defence forces, for arranging the co-operation with the Military Attachés accredited to Estonia.

Lembit Tepp, for preserving the Estonian census database.

Teitur Thordarson, for the services in developing Estonian football.

Harald Tillemann, one of the initiators of the Estonian Congress.

Feliks Tipner, freedom fighter of military merit, forest brother.

Voldemar Tokman, for the services in developing the Estonian rescue services.

Ants Tomp, for the services in developing local sports and cultural activities, pedagogue.

Heino Tonsiver, for conscientious work in local government institutions.

Elem Treier, for the studies of the heritage of E.Vilde and A.H.Tammsaare, for the promotion of the Estonian language and literature, for founding the memorial museum of A. H. Tammsaare.

Eerik-Juhan Truuväli, for the contribution to the restoration of Estonian sovereignty.

Rando Truve, for the services in developing Estonian medicine.

Endel Tulving, for internationally recognised accomplishments in science, for promoting the Estonian science in the world.

Erkki-Sven Tüür, for accomplishments in the field of musical composition.

Rein Uba, blood donor, donated blood 124 times.

Margaretha af Ugglas, former Minister of Foreign Affairs of Sweden. For forging the Estonia-friendly foreign policy of Sweden.

Inge Unt, for the services in developing Estonian pedagogy.

Mati Unt, for developing modern Estonian culture.

Ago Vallas, freedom fighter of military merit (Estonian volunteer in the Finnish Army in 1944), works in the field of history and statistics.

Arvo Vallikivi (Valton), bearer of the Estonian spirit in his creative work and political activities.

Olav Vallimäe, for long-time conscientious pedagogical work, for conscientious work in local government.

Harald Vanamölder, freedom fighter of military merit, forest brother.

Kasturi Lal Vig, for developing the relations between Estonia and India.

Tõnu Viik, for developing the natural sciences and scientific thinking in Estonia.

Aarne Vinkel, a merited scholar of Estonian literary history.

Peeter Võrk, freedom fighter of military merit, Estonian volunteer in the Finnish Army in 1944 and forest brother.