Eesti Emakeelepäev

Since 1995 Estonia has celebrated the 14th of March as Emakeelepäev (Mother Tongue Day.) People still have to go to work and school, but it is one of only 15 flag days each year. From sunrise to sunset, the Estonian flag waves from homes, shops, movie theaters, university buildings and especially government offices.

I really admire the Estonian system of flag days. The system embodies a deep respect for the flag and the freedom that it represents. For more than 45 years the Soviets forbade Estonians to raise their flag. It wasn't until 1988 that the Estonian tricolor of blue, black and white reappeared here in Tartu. It was carried in a procession during the first annual Estonian Heritage Days, a conference that added fervor to the awakening that was occuring throughout Estonia. And again, less than a year later the Estonian flag was hoisted on the tower of Pikk Hermann (in Tallinn's old town) on Ferbuary 24 in celebration of Estonian Independence Day (even though Estonia was still a part of the Soviet Union.)