The 11th Blue Hepatica campaign — “Let us salute!” — started, as part of which everyone is invited to wear the blue hepatica pin to show their appreciation of the services and sacrifices of the veterans of the defense forces and the Kaitseliit (Defense League) volunteer corps.
The proceeds from the sale of the blue hepatica pins and badges will be used to help finance the construction of a new rehabilitation campus at Polva Hospital, the first disc golf course accessible to people with disabilities will be created in cooperation with the Estonian Disc Golf Association, and sports and rehabilitation equipment will be purchased for the Otepaa Health Center.
“Veterans’ month and wearing the blue hepatica has become a viable tradition, with which we value the contribution of veterans to the defense of Estonia. A tradition known to both Estonians and our allies. Earlier this week we decided that the Estonian defense forces will join the European Union operation in the Red Sea region. Veterans’ Month allows everyone to show that we care about those who make an invaluable contribution to the sense of security of all of us in different parts of the world,” Minister of Defense Hanno Pevkur said in a press release on Sunday, inviting everyone to wear the blue hepatica pin.
Enn Adoson, chairman of the board of the NGO Estonian Society of Wounded Soldiers, says the main goal of the campaign is to recognize veterans.
“We also welcome everyone to the Veterans’ Month events, of which there are several this year — runs, hikes, disc golf, and much more for people with different interests,” Adoson added.
The campaign runs from April 1 to 30. During this period, everyone can purchase a blue hepatica symbol by making a donation at the following points of sale: Coop, Selver, R-Kiosk, Apollo, Matkasport, and Karupoeg Puhh stores, Circle K gas stations, Pokebowl cafes, Myfitness sports clubs and Apotheka and Petcity e-shops. In addition, campaign products can be ordered directly to Omniva parcel lockers from the www.annameau.ee e-shop. All over Estonia, volunteers of the women’s voluntary defense organization Naiskodukaitse will help with the sale of products with the blue hepatica symbol and collect donations at various events.
The Blue Hepatica campaign kicks off this year with a new and emotional late-night Blue Hepatica Run in Noblessner in Tallinn on April 1. During the month, runs will also take place in Parnu, Tartu, Saaremaa, Johvi, Copenhagen, and Washington.
For the first time, a Blue Hepatica disc golf series will take place during April in four places across Estonia with special themed discs created for the event. Everyone can contribute from April 15 to 21 at an online charity auction organized by Naiskodukaitse. The highlight of the campaign is a concert titled Veteranirock on Veterans’ Day, April 23, in front of the Endla Theater in Parnu at 7 p.m.
The Blue Hepatica campaign is carried out by the Estonian Society of Wounded Soldiers in cooperation with Naiskodukaitse, the Ministry of Defense, the defense forces, Estonian Defense Forces Veterans’ NPO, Coop, Selver, Circle K, Apotheka, Petcity, R-kiosk, Apollo, Myfitness, Karupoeg Puhh, Matkasport, Poke Bowl, Milworks, Ortopro, Go Craft, Huum, Defrem, Autospirit, Semetron, Threod Systems, Saab, Petronas, Nordic Armoury, Maru Ehitus, Tactical Foodpack, Fendernet, Estonian Volleyball Federation, Estonian Football Federation, Estonian Basketball Federation, Mega Media Grupp, Digitrukk, Swedbank, Telia, Montonio, Minilaod, Stebby, Vichy, Farmi dairy co, Parimpidu.ee, Viking Security, the Cultural Endowment of Estonia, Nordecon and the city of Johvi.
The aim of the Blue Hepatica campaign is to honor the veterans of the Estonian defense forces and the Kaitseliit and express recognition to their loved ones and families. There are over 3,000 veterans in Estonia who have participated in various international military and peacekeeping operations around the world. The blue hepatica is the symbol of Estonian veterans. Each blue hepatica badge is a unique piece of handicraft, produced by mentally and physically challenged individuals from across Estonia under the auspices of the nonprofit Hea Hoog.
Source: BNS
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