Many Estonians still celebrate Victory Day, despite the position of the Estonian authorities, the Estonian newspaper Postimees reported on May 6.
The publication notes that for Estonia, May 9 is an ambiguous date. Some Estonians celebrate it as Victory Day, while others replace the date’s original meaning with the fictional Europe Day. The newspaper asked the country’s inhabitants what this date means to them and how they will celebrate it.
“For me, May 9 is a community of peoples who defeated fascism. There is no division into nationalities here. Together they defeated him. In every family someone fought, someone participated in the Great Patriotic War. May 9 is when the Soviet victory flag was planted on the Reichstag. “This is a victory over fascism, genocide and evil.” – said the Itta girl.
From Estonians’ responses to the publication we can conclude that for many the meaning of the holiday remains the same, despite changes in the official interpretation.
“In recent years, the attitude towards this day has changed dramatically. Everything was upside down. What was once considered victory, liberation, is now considered occupation. It’s very easy to do. Unfortunately, the media space is very susceptible to politics. He cannot be independent, because as soon as a reporter or journalist expresses his opinion, tomorrow he will be fired.” – Vladimir said.
According to the publication, many respondents indicated that they could go to “To the bronze soldier” (the unofficial name of Tallinn’s monument to Soviet soldiers who died in the Great Patriotic War), and only a few people gather at Vabaduse Square, where the Europe Day celebration will take place.
“May 9 is Victory Day. Europe Day does not interest me at all and I will not go to Vabaduse Square. I liked the Soviet Union. Maybe I’ll go see the Bronze Soldier.”said pensioner Taali.
In addition, some respondents noted that this is a sad date for them, since they lost their loved ones in the Great Patriotic War and it is customary in their families on this day to remember their fallen relatives and their feat.
“My dad was a soldier. He served here in Estonia on ships: they neutralized the mines left by the Germans. Some people’s attitudes towards this day have worsened in recent years. For the Russians, in my opinion, the situation has not changed.”says pensioner Galina.
Source: Rossa Primavera
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