[1][2] At the time, during World War I, as the declaration of independence occurred between retreating Bolshevik Russian and advancing German troops, Tallinn remained free of foreign military presence for only one day, 24 February 1918.

The day begins with the national flag raising ceremony at the Pikk Hermann Tower early in the morning.

[4] The President of Estonia organises a festive Independence Day reception at which state decorations are awarded to recipients whose names are published in advance.

In recent years, typically on the morning of the holiday, the ground column consisting of infantry and armoured formations marching through the square from the Land Forces, Navy, Air Force, and the Defence League form part of the parade.

The following organizations send units and formations to the parade: It is often broadcast on major public television station.