| Time: 22:52, 07.05.2007 |
(originally found here) On May 8, Estonia together with Europe and the United States of America, will celebrate the end of the World War II. On May 8, the Republic of Estonia will commemorate all those who were killed in the World War II and recognises the contribution of all those who helped to break the fascism in Europe. The Government of Estonia condemns the activity of those who perpetrated crimes against humanity on the territory of our country and who organized mass repressions. To honour those who died and suffered in the World War II, the Members of Government will lay wreaths to the Holocaust memorial at Klooga, to the cemetery of the Defence Army and to the memorial square of Maarjamäe. Together with the members of the Estonian Government the ambassadors residing in Tallinn will partake in the memorial day. In the name of the diplomatic corps a wreath will be laid by its dean. On November 22, 2004, the UN General Assembly adopted a resolution to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the end of the World War II, where the 8th and 9th of May were declared days of commemoration and reconciliation. The resolution called upon suitable celebration of one or both of these days each year, to honour all those who lost their lives in the World War II. Estonia had also supported this resolution and celebrated the 60th anniversary of the World War II on May 8, 2005, commemorating those who died in World War II as well as those who were victims of repressions and crimes perpetrated by occupating forces during the war. The World War II plundered countries and nations, however, even after horrendous sufferings, there was reconciliation and pardoning. Together, the foundations of the European Union were laid, so that such violence between countries and nations would never occur again. On Wednesday, May 9, the European Day will be celebrated as a day of reconciliation and forgiving. Estonia is part of Europe and it is important that we do care for each other and for our country and that we respect those around us. Tel: 7170 078 |
| Time: 14:05, 07.05.2007 |
| On Tuesday the 8th of May, the Republic of Estonia will hold a special Memorial Day to remember all of those who died during World War II and honour those who helped to defeat fascism and Nazism in Europe. The Government of Estonia condemns the activities of all persons who committed crimes against humanity or those who orchestrated mass repressions in the territory of our country. On this day, the Government of the Republic will attend a special laying of wreaths at the holocaust memorial in Klooga, the cemetery of the Estonian Defence Forces, and Maarjamäe memorial ground, in honour of the victims of the war. The Memorial Day events will also be attended by the foreign ambassadors and diplomats based in Tallinn. A wreath representing the diplomatic corps will also be laid. There are no speeches or statements planned for the Memorial Day. Editorial Offices: The programme of events to be held on 8th May will be announced at 5.30 p.m. on Monday, 7th May in the Ministry of Defence. |
