A survey commissioned by the Government Office revealed that for many Estonians World War II memorials built during the Soviet era carry little significance, informs Estonian broadcaster ERR.
However, the monuments are a reminder of the price of peace for the vast majority of non–native Estonians.
43% of Estonians said the monuments had no meaning for them, and 29% of native Estonian speakers said the monuments represented a loss of freedom and statehood for them.
The memorials remind 60 % of no–native Estonians who participated in the Survey of the importance of peace.
For 51% of them, remembrance days are meant to honour all those who perished and suffered during the war, while 47% also celebrate the defeat of fascism.
Furthermore, opinions on the monuments varied by region, with the north-eastern Estonian region tending to coincide with those of non–native Estonians.
The Government Office commissioned the market research firm Turu–uuringute AS to undertake the surveys from June 16 to 19 June and August 10 to 14.