Black Ribbon Day marks the anniversary of the signing of the infamous Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact between the Soviet Union and Nazi Germany in August 1939, which allowed them to carve up central and eastern Europe with Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania going to the Soviet Union for annexation and colonization.
The name and concept of commemorating August 23 as Black Ribbon Day came from former Estonian Central Council president Markus Hess, who organized the International Black Ribbon Day Committee in the 1980s. By 1991, it had become a world-wide movement with pro-freedom and democracy demonstrations held in 51 cities around the world.
As Estonian Canadians, we have heard personal stories from our parents, grandparents and friends about the violent terror and suffering launched on tiny Estonia by Stalin. We know about the June 1941 and March 1949 deportations. We know about the human rights abuses, mass deportations, waves of repression and nearly 50 years of illegal occupation that destroyed lives and homes. We know about families where brothers were forced to go to war against each other – one forcibly conscripted by the Soviets and the other by the Nazis – as two evil forces swept across the nation.
On August 23, 1989, the 50th anniversary of the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact, over two million citizens in Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia joined hands across the three countries to show determination to regain independence after almost 50 years of Soviet occupation. This human chain garnered international attention and became known as The Baltic Way.
The Baltic Way has continued to inspire freedom seeking people around the world. In January 1990, over one million Ukrainians joined hands across 700 kilometers, signaling their hope and determination for independence. This August 24th as Ukrainians mark their Independence Day, two and a half years will have passed since the start of Putin’s brutal war of aggression against their homeland.
As we reflect on our own history, let us continue to show solidarity with the Ukrainian people, as they continue their courageous fight for freedom and democracy. On Black Ribbon Day, let us remember all victims of totalitarianism, while promoting democratic values and principles, which remain our best defence against demagogues and dictators.
Estonian Central Council in Canada
Reet Marten Sehr, Chair of the Board
