On Sunday, it will be 81 years since the Soviet Air Force's air raid on Tallinn. In October, the Tallinn City Council decided that March 9th is a city-wide day of remembrance. On this day, all city institutions will fly their flags at half-mast.
The Estonian Heritage Society is organizing several memorial events on the anniversary of the March bombing. The city has provided 3500 euros to support these events. On Sunday at 12:00, a memorial service will be held at Siselinna Cemetery. At 18:00, there will be a memorial service and concert at St. Nicholas' Church. The ensemble Linnamuusikud will perform. Speeches will be given by Tallinn Mayor Jevgeni Ossinovski and former Member of the European Parliament Tunne Kelam. At 19:15, candles will be lit on Harju Street. All the mourning bells of Tallinn's churches will ring.
In October 2024, the Tallinn City Council made a decision. Now, March 9th is a city-wide day of remembrance. On this day, city institutions will fly their flags at half-mast. No events that are not suitable for the day of remembrance will take place.
In March 1944, the Soviet Air Force bombed Tallinn and other Estonian cities. On the evening and night of March 9th, there were two bombing raids in Tallinn. They destroyed 1549 buildings and 3350 houses were damaged. The Estonia Theatre and St. Nicholas' Church were particularly affected.
As a result of the March bombing, 20,000 Tallinn residents lost their homes. 554 Estonian citizens, 50 German soldiers, and 121 prisoners of war were killed. The Estonian Heritage Society has been commemorating the victims of the bombing since 1989.