Estonia Celebrates 93rd Independence Day

**~~Äike~~** · 02-24-2011, 06:45 AM

Estonia Celebrates 93rd Independence Day

The focus of the official celebrations will be in Tallinn this year.

The official Independence Day program in Tallinn begins at 7:33 with the raising of the national flag on the Tall Hermann tower on Toompea (Dome Hill). It will continue with the placing of wreaths at the Freedom Cross at 9:00.

At 9:45, a service to mark the occasion will be held in the Dome Church.

From 10:15, the Defence Forces will gather in Freedom Square for a parade that starts at 11:00. ETV will provide a live feed at http://live.err.ee.

At 13:00 the annual National Science Awards ceremony will take place in the Hall of the Academy of Sciences on Toompea hill.

At 18:00 President Toomas Hendrik Ilves and Mrs. Evelin Ilves will host the annual Independence Day reception at the Estonia Theatre, broadcast by ETV online at http://live.err.ee.

The ballroom dancing traditionally part of the reception will not take place this year in deference to the Haapsalu tragedy where 10 people lost their lives in a foster care home fire on February 20.

Besides celebrations in central Tallinn, countless events will be taking place all over the country. In Jüriöö Park, the Defense Forces will pay tribute at 14:00 to brothers-in-arms fallen in the War of Independence. Concerts, receptions, religious services and public gatherings will be held in all 15 counties.