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Estonia celebrates 24th anniversary of restoration of independence

Xinhua, August 21, 2015 Adjust font size:

A number of concerts and events were held across the nation on Thursday as Estonia celebrated its 24th anniversary of the restoration of independence since 1991.

The prominent event of the day, as described by Estonian Public Broadcasting (ERR), was a traditional reception hosted by Estonian President Toomas Hendrik Ilves.

Tallinn Mayor Edgar Savisaar made remarks before public on Freedom Square in downtown Tallinn. It was his first public appearance since falling ill and spending three months in hospital earlier in the year.

The other celebrating events are a free concert on the square shortly after the mayor's speech and another free concert in the capital city.

"Restoring independence means primarily freedom and self-esteem. It means you are a person with possibilities and rights," said Anatoli Stsura, a Belorussian conductor living in Narva, who conducted a free concert in Narva on the same day in celebration of the restoration of the independence. Endit