Dear friends,

Aleksander Mohrfeldt (Mäevälja) (1857–1938) was among the clergy members who proclaimed the Declaration of Independence from the church pulpit in Tallinn on 24 February 1918. 

As a nationally-minded cleric, he was one of the originators of the idea of the flag. He was there when the blue, black and white colours of the Students Society were selected, sewn into a flag, and consecrated. 

He had the following recollection of the selection of the flag colours in 1881:

“The colours were supposed to:

1) express the character and ideals of our nation,

2) be inspired by the colours of our traditional clothes,

3) reflect the weather and nature of our country with its white snow cover in winter and blue sky in summer, dark autumn and bright merriness of spring,

4) be in harmony with each other.”

Today, here at the foot of Tall Hermann, we can admit quite confidently that the selection of colours for the flag 144 years ago was a success. 

In our minds, the Estonian flag colours are now firmly linked to our national identity, Estonia’s beautiful nature, the past suffering of our people, but also numerous uplifting achievements as well as a bright and hopeful future. 

You would be hard-pressed to find an Estonian who does not think that our flag colours are the most beautiful in the world. 

May it remain so until the end of time that, as we heave up the flag on the mast, we also hoist these colours in our hearts. 

May the Almighty God – Father, Son, and Holy Spirit – bless this flag, our free country, its leaders and people! Amen.