Ten thousand years ago, a Finno-Ugric tribe reached the coast of the Baltic Sea after a long, long journey. They were keen on the place: dense forests interspersed with bogs; rivers and lakes teeming with fish; picturesque valleys; fertile soil; and four seasons. They settled down and started to cultivate the land. It was here that the Estonian language was born. However, the prehistoric counties were one step short of banding together to form a unified country. The last thousand years before independence passed under the rule of various external powers, but the foreign spirit never took root. A hundred years ago, this nation decided to establish its own country, since it wanted to live in its own way among others. Estonia made a name for itself in the world; set up new universities, theatres, and governmental bodies; created its own unique music, art, and literature; and built up its economy. Soon, Estonia had one of the highest rates of literacy in the world.
Estonia’s hard-won freedom was lost temporarily, but was taken back by its people standing together and singing – the Singing Revolution. Today, the tribe that was once called “the land people” (maarahvas) has re-built a modern country and become a full-fledged member of Europe. It boasts quick-witted people, a mystical-sounding language, and enchanting landscapes. As a country, we are about to turn 100 – a very good reason to remember all the precious things that have carried us so far. But immeasurably more important is that we think about what to do next.
Therefore, we dedicate these birthday celebrations to the future. We dedicate it to ventures that will reach the memories of our children and grandchildren, but will also give us all a better life today. We think upon our people, nature, and communities: experience that has been carried forth from our tribe. We do things in our own, uniquely Estonian way. We are simple, but smart; both bold and mysterious.
Estonia – the whole world in a nutshell!