Veterans month

Veterans Month and the Blue Hepatica Campaign have commenced, with the aim of supporting and recognising Estonian veterans who have stood for freedom and democracy.

For the 13th consecutive year, April in Estonia is marked as Veterans Month, proudly bearing the motto “Let’s Salute!”. This year’s Blue Hepatica Campaign once again seeks to acknowledge and support veterans of the Estonian Defence Forces and the Estonian Defence League who, together with Estonia’s allies, have served in defence of freedom and democracy across the world.

According to Estonia’s Minister of Defence, Hanno Pevkur, Veterans Month serves as a reminder that Estonia’s freedom and security cannot be taken for granted. “They rest upon the courage, experience and dedication of our defenders. The service of our veterans is more than a deployment abroad or a profession – it represents a commitment to values on which we can always rely,” said Minister of Defence Hanno Pevkur.

“It is equally important to recognise the families of veterans, whose support and understanding are often an invisible yet indispensable part of this service. The contribution of veterans is also the contribution of their loved ones. The “Let’s Salute!” campaign gives us an opportunity to express this gratitude together. I therefore encourage everyone to wear the blue hepatica badge during Veterans Month and to take part in events held across Estonia in order to show support and respect for veterans and their families,” Pevkur added.

Proceeds from the sale of blue hepatica symbols and charity sporting events will be directed towards sports activities for injured veterans and the support of their mental health. In addition, funds are being raised for the Rehabilitation Clinic of East Tallinn Central Hospital to acquire an AlterG Neo rehabilitation device, costing approximately €75,000. This innovative, air-pressure-based rehabilitation and training device enables safe movement with reduced body weight, alleviating stress on joints and accelerating recovery from injuries and surgical procedures.

There are more than 3,800 veterans in Estonia who have participated in various international military and peacekeeping operations around the world. The Blue Hepatica Campaign draws attention to the contribution of service members who have taken part in international operations in defending freedom and democracy. In recognition and support of veterans, the campaign calls on all people in Estonia to purchase and wear the blue hepatica badge and to participate in charity events organised as part of the campaign.

“The 13 years of the campaign clearly demonstrate that national defence begins with a caring society. Wearing the blue hepatica sends a powerful message to veterans: we recognise your contribution and you are not alone. By supporting veterans, we give them the assurance that society continues to stand behind them after their service.,” said Enn Adoson, Chairman of the Board of the Estonian Society of Wounded Soldiers, the organisation responsible for the Veterans Month campaign.

On 23 April, flags will be flown across Estonia to mark Veterans Day, and fallen service members will be commemorated.

In addition, the Veterans Rock concert will take place at Unibet Arena in Tallinn, starting at 19:00, featuring Vanilla Ninja with the military orchestra, Laura Prits, 5MIINUST rock’n’roll band, and reket. The concert will also be broadcast on ETV at 22:05 the same evening.

Sports events will be held throughout Veterans Month in various regions of Estonia; further information and registration are available at www.annameau.ee.

Across Estonia, volunteers from the Women’s Voluntary Defence Organisation will assist in collecting donations through the sale of blue hepatica products.

Further information on events and ways to contribute can be found at www.naiskodukaitse.ee or on the organisation’s social media channels.

The Blue Hepatica Campaign runs from 1 to 30 April. During this period, blue hepatica products can be purchased, and donations made, at the following points of sale: Coop, Selver, R-Kiosk, Apollo, Marat stores and e-shop, Aldar Eesti stores, Matkasport and Karupoeg Puhh stores, the relvad.ee e-shop, MyFitness sports clubs, as well as a limited range of specially designed products by Kurvad Uudised Records available at www.kannasinilille.ee.