We kindly invite everyone to join us at the Memorial to the Victims of Communism in Maarjamäe on 23 August, the remembrance day for the victims of totalitarian regimes. We commemorate innocent victims of inhumane ideologies by showing that we care about historical truth and freedom. The event is free of charge and open to everyone.
On 23 August, 81 years will pass from the signing of the Molotov-Ribbentrop pact, a non-aggression treaty between communist USSR and Nazi Germany. This document created the preconditions for mass repressions and war in which millions of Europeans perished. Poland, Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania were destroyed because of the pact’s secret protocol and parts of Finland and Romania were occupied.
12:00-12:50 – Memorial Ceremony. Speeches are held by President of the Republic Kersti Kaljulaid, President of the Riigikogu Henn Põlluaas, Minister of Justice Raivo Aeg and the representatives of the repressed and youth organisations. After the prayer, everyone has an opportunity to lay wreaths or flowers on the memorial.
12:55-13:30 – Memorial Concert. Acclaimed Estonian chamber choir Collegium Musicale (conductor Endrik Üksvärav) together with singer and violinist Maarja Nuut perform „Ta lendab mesipuu poole“, „Kuulmata kuskil kumiseb kodu“, „Laul Põhjamaast“, „Ilus oled, Isamaa“ and „Puudutus“.
After the memorial concert, an apple tree will be planted in the Memorial’s Home Garden, introducing a new tradition. Attendants have an opportunity to buy a beautiful Memorial architecture photo album at a discount price.
See the timeline of the aftermath of the signing of the criminal Molotov-Ribbentrip pact: https://communistcrimes.org/en/timeline-soviet-occupation-baltic-states
See the e-exhibition Communism and Terror here: https://communistcrimes.org/en/communism-and-terror
The memorial day is organised by the Ministry of Justice and the Estonian Institute of Historical Memory in cooperation with Estonian Memento Union, Federation of Estonian Student Unions, Estonian National Youth Council and Estonian School Student Councils’ Union.
