JUNE 4, 2025 — The Estonian flag was raised atop Tall Hermann Tower in Tallinn today to mark the 141st anniversary of the national symbol’s consecration, according to the Eesti Rahvusringhääling.
According to a statement by the Riigikogu, National Flag Day commemorates the day in 1884 when the first blue-black-white flag was sewn and blessed.
The original flag has been preserved and is housed at the Estonian Historical Museum, making it one of the world’s oldest national flags still kept in its original form.
Wednesday’s events in Tallinn began with a ceremonial flag-raising in the Governor’s Garden at Toompea. Blue, black and white stripes could also be seen adorning homes, buildings, and buses across the country.
Bishop Ove Sander of the Estonian Evangelical Lutheran Church offered a blessing at the event.
“If we can remain faithful to the promises we have made, if we love and support one another, we will grow stronger ourselves, and our nation will also grow stronger,” he said. “Then we will have the strength not to let difficulties break us.”
President of the Riigikogu Lauri Hussar said during the ceremony that the parliament is considering increasing both the number of designated flag days and the locations where the flag is displayed.
“There are many places where we could display our flag prominently if we wished,” Hussar said, citing locations such as town squares, avenues, and highways.
He also noted that many citizens already fly the national flag voluntarily. “They do this simply because their hearts tell them to do this,” Hussar said, adding that the flag provides a sense of unity and security to both Estonians and visitors alike.
The proposal to expand the presence of the flag in public space is expected to be discussed further by the Riigikogu in the coming months.
