Tallinn, Stenbock House, April 27, 2005 – May 8 this year marks the sixtieth anniversary of the end of the Second World War in Europe. On this day, the Government of the Republic commemorates all those who perished in that war.
The Government honours the memory of all victims of the Second World War and commemorates May 8 as the memorial day of all victims of the Second World War. The claim made by the media that there would be an unveiling of a memorial for soldiers who fought in German uniform is misleading.
The memorial event celebrates reconciliation day. “Estonia does not fight the perished and honours the memory of all those who were destined to die in that war. The guns have fallen silent, let us now forgive in our hearts as well,” Prime Minister Ansip said.
The ceremony will take place in Tallinn at the Maarjamäe Memorial Ground dedicated to those who took part of the defensive battles of 1944. The Maarjamäe Memorial is a symbolic site; soldiers of both sides of the battle have been buried there, among them also soldiers of Estonian nationality. Maarjamäe, therefore, symbolizes the tragic fate of the Estonian soldier in the Second World War.
May 8-9 has been declared as a time of remembrance and reconciliation by the resolution adopted in November 22 last year by the General Assembly of the United Nations; the declaration also invites member states to observe these days in an appropriate manner and pay tribute to all victims of the Second World War.
On the morning of May 8, the Prime Minister will place a wreath at the Holocaust Memorial in Klooga, attend the Mother’s Day service in St. Charles Church where also the victims of the Second World War will be commemorated; after the event at Maarjamäe, there will be a reception for the diplomatic corps to celebrate the end of the Second World War in Europe.
The Memorial Day is a part of the events of Europe Week during the period of May 1-9 to celebrate the first year of European Union membership for Estonia. More information on Europe Week:
http://www.vm.ee/eng/kat_134/5352.html
Yours sincerely,
Government Communication Office
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