Kaitseliit chief in Victory Day speech: We must trust each other, our allies

TALLINN – The commander of the Kaitseliit (Estonian Defense League) volunteer corps, Maj. Gen. Ilmar Tamm, said in his Victory Day speech on Monday that we must trust both each other and our allies.

"The tradition of celebrating Victory Day with the lighting of the Victory Flame was restored by President Meri in 1993. For Estonia, it was an honor: to restore June 23, which had been designated a national holiday in 1934, as a national holiday. But it was also a challenge: to celebrate our desire for freedom with dignity given the limited resources at the time," he said.

"Current times present different challenges. But just like then, we can do it! Standing here in Pärnu, the birthplace of the Republic of Estonia, and looking at these rows, our volunteer national defenders, partners from broad-based national defense and allied forces, I dare to say that we will never have to restore any traditions again, because we will not let them be interrupted again. Or rather, we will not let them be interrupted for us again. Those standing here on the square represent the power and will that prove that Estonia is defensible. Defensible from any enemy. This power proves that Estonia deserves to be protected and its traditions preserved. But just like traditions, freedom needs keepers, which are our people," Tamm said.

According to him, Pärnu County has provided many capable fighters to the national defense throughout history -- from soldiers to generals, and among them, our volunteers undoubtedly deserve to be valued and highlighted.

"The strength of Kaitseliit lies in them. Their free will is the essence and driving force of Kaitseliit. Men and women, boys and girls. Their will and contribution to the defense of their home, community and country inspires and gives people confidence. Even though Pärnu County has given national defense at least three generals, today it is appropriate to highlight one volunteer from among you. That is Meelike Kasesalu. Her children, members of the Noorkotkad and Kodutütred boys and girls' volunteer organizations, motivated her to take on the responsible task of a volunteer youth leader. Self-development is always the best motivator. That is why Meelike completed the basic soldier skills course. Today, her training -- which includes medical specialist courses and several exercises -- has cemented her wartime role as a riflewoman-medic in a combat company. She is still continuing as a youth leader. She is still here today, standing behind her young people, as an example and support," Tamm said.

According to Tamm, this is one of hundreds of examples where the inclusion of women in national defense is not just a flashy slogan in the public information space, but a purposeful activity and direction that contributes to the growth of the reserve-based force and its quality.

"We need to involve more women in national defense. Both in Kaitseliit and in conscript service. I am sincerely glad that Kaitseliit is already successful in involving women today. I hope that it will not take 34 years for the next female colonel. In our small country, the contribution of every person is necessary, regardless of gender. This is a force that relies on people's skills and knowledge. A force that includes both men and women who are united by one cause. A free Estonia. This is an Estonia that has stood out to our allies with its innovative mindset and rapid adaptation of new technologies. But we must not rest on our laurels. Basic soldier skills are here to stay. The ability to hide from hostile eyes is more important today than ever. This is shown by the experience of our Ukrainian friends. Unmanned platforms and artificial intelligence are the new normal at the tactical level," he said.

"I am proud of how quickly Kaitseliit members adapt and learn. The exercise Siil was like a test laboratory, where the target unit Kullisilm pushed the boundaries in the capability development of unmanned aerial vehicles and their countermeasures. All this in cooperation with allies, including the Ukrainians. I can also say with confidence that the impact of the drone center recently opened in Järva County will soon be felt both in the training of instructors and in improved experimentation opportunities. This is an opportunity to involve and test ideas and solutions from the Estonian defense industry," Tamm added.

"I am proud that Kaitseliit is today at the forefront of connecting new technologies and national defense. The intelligence and mental strength of our members play an important role here. The people of Kaitseliit stand out for their education and intellect. The magazine 'Kaitse Kodu!' is the voice of our educated minds. This year, the magazine celebrates its centenary. It is no surprise that its authors are volunteer correspondents. Almost 150 people share their experiences and knowledge with the magazine's readership every year. 'Kaitse Kodu!' was re-established in the same year that the tradition of Victory Day and the Victory Flame was revived. Therefore, it is symbolic that today's torchbearers have been chosen from among volunteer authors of the magazine from fifteen defense districts and Kaitseliit's cyber defense unit. Moreover, today's warfare has shown how important it is to fight for the hearts and minds of people. 'Kaitse Kodu!' stands on the front lines in the communication battle, carrying the message of our free will. Kaitseliit's face is turned towards its people. Always ready to communicate. Openness and honesty ensure the fact that we are one of the four most trusted institutions in Estonia," Tamm said.

Tamm noted that as the commander of Kaitseliit, he wants trust to extend to the people around us.

"We cannot win the war if we do not trust each other. It is difficult for us to defend Estonia if we stare at each other from our silo towers. We cannot communicate with each other if we sit in our echo chambers and only proclaim our own truth. Trust is knowing that the fighter next to me or the neighbor on my street will come to my aid when needed. We can defend our country if we accept differences of opinion and understand that without a free Estonia it is not possible to express those same differences of opinion anywhere other than in the kitchen of a dreary apartment building. Dear compatriots, we are not that stupid," he said.

"We must trust our allies who are coming to our aid, and let no one tell us otherwise! Let the units in Tapa, the joint exercises -- for example, the cooperation of Kaitseliit with the French light infantry -- as well as the fighters and flags standing here on the square be the proof of our alliance. Just as we cannot let the enemy drive a wedge into our society, we cannot allow them to drive a wedge into our trust in our alliance. This trust must come from the heart. But today, let us be grateful from the bottom of our hearts that we live in a free Estonia. Let us be grateful that there are people among us who are ready to defend our freedom. Let us be grateful for our loved ones and for the opportunity to celebrate today's Victory Day with them and spend Midsummer's Eve together. Let us protect and defend our country with our hearts," Tamm said.