Monument of the War of Independence
In the Estonian village of Äksi in Tartu Parish, Tartu County, a monument commemorates the Estonian War of Independence (Estonian: Vabadussõda) from 1918 to 1920. It is located in the northern end of Äksi where the road Äksi-Kukulinna joins the road Tartu-Jogeva-Aravete.
History
The monument to the fallen from the region of Äksi was opened on June 28, 1925. Twenty years later, the figure on the top was demolished. A replica of the statue was made and the monument reopened on August 27, 1989, roughly a year after the government of the Estonian SSR declared its sovereignty from the Soviet Union during the Singing Revolution.
Description
From both streets stone paths lead over a meadow to the left and the front side of the monument. They end at a slight elevation, where four steps each lead to a square surface completely covered with stone slabs. In the middle there is a three-step pedestal, on which a granite column – which also tapers above with a three-step staircase – stands. On the top a simple soldier made of bronze is placed; he holds a rifle in his hands.
On the front side of the column there is an oak leaves wreath made of bronze in the lower half. In the upper half there is a text engraved with the year of the Revolutionary War and a reference to the location:
Eesti
Vabadussõjas
Langenuile
1918–1920
Tanulik Äksi
Kihelkond
On the back of the column the names of 34 victims are engraved.
Sources
- Kultuurimälestiste riiklik register: 27114 Vabadussõja mälestussammas