Estonia · Veterans of the Estonian Defence Forces (estnische Verteidigungsstreitkräfte) (Series: Resistance)

The Estonian Defence Forces are connected with the development of Estonia from the founding of the state to the restoration of state independence. The first Estonian military formations were established in 1918. In the subsequent War of Independence from 1918 to 1920, Estonia defended its independence against Soviet troops and German Freikorps. After the Second World War and the incorporation of Estonia into the Soviet Union, its own armed forces were disbanded.

After regaining independence, Estonia began rebuilding its defence organisation. This includes the regular armed forces and the Kaitseliit, the Estonian Defence League, which is based on voluntary membership. Since the 1990s, Estonian soldiers have also participated in international missions, including missions of the United Nations, NATO and the European Union. The term veterans therefore refers to people who served in Estonia’s defence structures during different periods and under different operational conditions.

The classification in the “Resistance” series refers to Estonia’s remembrance of the preservation and restoration of its state independence. This includes both the armed struggle for independence after 1918 and the resistance against Soviet rule, as well as the political path to renewed statehood. In this context, the veterans embody the practical aspect of national defence: they represent those who devoted their service to protecting the state.

The choice of this theme is therefore not linked to a single battle or a specific person. The focus is on a group whose service connects different periods of Estonian history. A commemorative coin also provides an opportunity to address not only historical forms of resistance but also the continuing role of the defence forces in independent Estonia.