In a tradition spanning eight years, the Põlva battalion of the Estonian Defense League has been honoring local community leaders with the gift of the Estonian flag as a token of gratitude for their often unseen hard work and contributions to community life ahead of Independence Day. Among the six recipients this year is Anu Kuldmäe, a kindergarten teacher and the village elder of Prangli, who participated in the Women's Home Guard, highlighting the importance of acknowledging community contributions. Kuldmäe reflected on her role in fostering community engagement and stressed the importance of shared responsibilities, indicating that the biggest challenge facing her village is keeping the community active and involved.

The gifting of flags not only serves to recognize the effort put in by individual village elders but also aims to inspire a sense of pride and unity within the community as Estonia approaches its national holiday. This year, the decision was made specifically to honor village elders, including those like the elder from Rosma, who remains involved in the community despite not holding an official title anymore. The recognition is met with gratitude by the recipients, who feel appreciated for their ongoing commitment to the well-being of their towns, reinforcing the involvement of local leaders in maintaining civic pride and resilience within their communities.