Servicemen!


At a rapid pace the Republic of Estonia has advanced in the restoration of her state power, economy, educational conditions, international links, and defence capability.

On Midsummer eve today, we have gathered in Vabaduse Plats for the consecration of the colours of the Kalev Detached Infantry Battalion and the Detached Sentry Battalion and for handing them over to you.

May the colours guide you in your work and training, on days of peace and on more onerous days when we'll have to prove through our behaviour that the deeds of an Estonian soldier don't dissent from his words.

Guard your colours as you guard your country. The holiness that descended on this square shall live on in your hearts and your colours.

As we gathered here we had two pieces of flagcloth, flagstaffs and nails. The consecration of the flagcloth turned the cloth into a symbol of the Republic of Estonia. Now your flying flags are alive with our country and our people, and in particular with the determination of our people to stand for our country, our children, our work and our future.

In this square and later on, make your will, your discipline and your devotion converge in these colours, just as the glances all over Estonia are, as the whole of Estonia, our only country, is converged in them at the moment. Remember that the international standing of Estonia depends on your will and discipline. A small nation can only be strong if it acts in unity and with reason, if it inspires confidence among both its next-door neighbours and more distant partners.

Our united will, devotion and discipline are stronger than arms and will thus put arms to silence.

What is flying in these colours is the resolve of the Estonian people. The Estonian people have shown over the centuries that they want to be independent. Now we have to prove through our resolve that we know how to be independent.

The colors I am now entrusting to you are symbols of Estonia. We have repeatedly proven our readiness to defend Estonia's freedom at a price of death. But the colours are more than death: the colours are our will to live so Estonia could live, so Estonia could lead a worthy life having equal rights in the worthy family of European peoples.

Mr Defence Minister, please read out the colour certificates.

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