In her commentary for the Estonian national holiday, journalist Kadri Paas emphasizes the critical lesson learned from Estonia's 20th-century history, particularly the failures of 1939 when the country naively believed that there were easier and cheaper alternatives to strengthening its defense against external threats. She references historical figures and pivotal moments such as the 1939 base agreement and the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact, illustrating Estonia's precarious geopolitical position.

Paas highlights the speech by Estonia's defense commander, Andrus Merilo, during the national anniversary celebrations, which resonated with the challenges Estonia faced during past occupations by foreign powers. The commentary draws parallels between historical naiveté and the current security context of Estonia as a sovereign nation, stressing the importance of learning from past mistakes to ensure that a repeat of history does not occur.

The reflection serves not only as a reminder of the nation's past struggles and the systematic terror endured during occupation but also as a call to action for strengthening Estonia's independent defense capabilities against potential aggressors like the Red Army. By shedding light on these historical events and their implications for present-day Estonia, Paas urges readers to remain vigilant in safeguarding the country’s independence and security.