TALLINN, Estonia -- Thousands flood to the sidewalks, steps, hills, windows and even rooftops in Tallinn as Estonia celebrates its 98th year of Independence with a parade of over 1077 participants and a static display of Estonian and U.S. military vehicles at Freedom Park in Tallinn, Estonia, Feb. 24, 2016.
On this date in 1918, the Manifest of All Peoples was published in Tallinn, which declared an independent and democratic Republic of Estonia. Independence Day, officially known as Eesti Vabariigi aastapäev is a national holiday in Estonia marking the anniversary of the Estonian Declaration of Independence.
The events of the celebration began with Estonian Soldiers marching onto the parade square along with the Soldiers from Belgium, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, United States and the United Kingdom behind them in their respective formations. Estonian Lt. Gen. Riho Terras, the commander of the Defensive Forces then marched around the square and saluted each unit's formation.
Shortly after Terras completed his tour of showing his respect to each unit's commander, a distinguished vehicle approached Freedom Square. When the vehicle stopped, Toomas Hendrik Ilves, the President of the Republic of Estonia stepped out and returned a salute back at Terras, greeted the units of the represented countries, and thanked them for participating in Estonia's Independence Day celebration.
The national anthem of the Republic of Estonia played, Lt. Gen. Terras gave a speech and the parade march through the streets of Tallinn began. Pride filled the streets as thousands of civilians cheered, waved, clapped and waved high their hand-held Estonian flags as the Soldiers and military vehicles passed by.
When the parade ended, Estonian and U.S. military vehicles filled Freedom Square so the civilians of all ages could review, touch, get inside and even stand on top of them if they so desired.
"I think the military vehicles are awesome," said Estonian native Kerstin Grunberg. "They are bigger than I expected, and I love them."
Estonian civilians flocked around the military vehicles with pure delight and amazement. Many of them took photos and "selfies" of the vehicles, weapons and especially of and with Estonian and U.S. Soldiers. It also gave the civilians the opportunity to meet the Soldiers of both forces and talk to them.
"We always try to participate in all the community outreach events," said U.S. Army Capt. Joe Vanderlip, the commander of Iron Troop with 3rd Squadron, 2nd Cavalry Regiment, stationed out of Vilseck, Germany. "It allows our Soldiers to meet with the Estonians, talk to them and learn some of their ways and customs."
Feb. 24, 2016, will surely be a day to remember for thousands of people, especially the Estonians, and in the words of Lt. Gen. Riho Terras, "The Estonian nation was created for the purpose of defending our people and our freedom. Long live the Republic of Estonia!"
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