JUNE 23

Today, 119 years ago, the International Olympic Committee was formally launched with a big bang with its founding congress in Paris, France. Led by Pierre de Coubertin, its founder, and Demetrius Vikelas, its first president, it led the way towards the formal return into the modern era of the Olympic Games, to be held in the first time in centuries in Athens, Greece (just kilometers from Ancient Olympia, the site of the ancient Games), in April of 1896.

On this day in 1919 Estonian and Latvian soldiers fought against the Germans in the Battle of Võnnu, and came out victorious.

79 years ago in 1934 the Estonian government set this day to honor those who fought for the nation’s independence.

And 65 years ago in 1948 this day was set apart to honor the founders of today’s Olympic Games and to commemorate where it all began.

HAPPY OLYMPIC DAY AND ESTONIAN VICTORY DAY!!

(Salute)
(Cue Olympic Hymn and Porilaisten March)