Estonia marks centenary of independence declaration

Estonia yesterday celebrated 100 years since declaring independence with a military parade and other festivities in the Baltic state. Flag-waving Estonians watched the parade in capital Tallin, with about 11,000 soldiers and hundreds of vehicles from both the domestic army and other Nato countries taking part in a show of strength. “The independence and freedom of our people has never been and should not be taken for granted,” said General Riho Teras, Estonia’s chief of staff. “The war of independence sent a clear message: anything is possible if a nation really wants it,” he said, referring to the 1918-1920 war with the Russian empire.