Estonians gear up for Independence Day

TALLINN - Independence Day celebrations will kick off in Estonia on Feb. 24 with the hoisting of the national flag above the Pikk Hermann tower at 7:34 a.m.

Last year extremely cold weather deterred many people from attending the annual military parade display on Vabaduse Square, which begins this year at 10:30 a.m.

But those who brave the weather will as usual be able to sample soldier's porridge and get a close-up look at the military hardware.

At 11:30 a.m. President Arnold Ruutel and his wife will attend an Independence Day service at Kaarli Church and at 1:00 p.m. Estonia's new Prime Minister Siim Kallas will hand out prizes for scientific and cultural achievement at Toompea Palace's Science Academy.

Festivities will continue in the evening at the Estonia National Opera, where the Estonian Symphony Orchestra and the Estonian Boys' Choir will perform music by Estonia's Rudolf Tobias and by Ludwig van Beethoven.

A special reception for Estonian celebrities will then take place at the opera house.