Induction Ceremony of the Commander of Estonian Defence Forces into the New BALTDEFCOL Hall of Fame

The Baltic Defence College (BALTDEFCOL) hosted the Induction Ceremony as well as the Inauguration Ceremony of the Hall of Fame on Tuesday, 12 January 2016. The newly established tradition was brought to life to honour BALTDEFCOL’s alumni who have distinguished themselves in their military and/or civilian careers. Lieutenant General Riho Terras, Commander of the Estonian Defence Forces, was chosen as the inaugural member of the Baltic Defence College Hall of Fame.

“The Baltic Defence College Hall of Fame is established to provide a prestigious and visible means of recognition to Graduates of the Baltic Defence College who have attained, the highest positions in their nation's armed forces, or who have held an equivalent position or responsibility in a ministry,” said the Commandant of the College, Major General Vitalijus Vaikšnoras within his opening remarks.

Lieutenant General Riho Terras thanked the Commandant and the College for the honourable recognition by underlining that ‘every officer knows that in order to get better, one has to dedicate time and commit to learning’, referring to the College as a ‘beacon of the military education’ in the region. He went on: ‘The Baltic Defence College with its multinational environment has given me wonderful knowledge; it also has made it easier for me to continue with my further service in the international headquarters.’

As a part of College’s newly established tradition, every Hall of Fame inductee will provide a special lecture after their Induction Ceremony. In his speech about the development of the security and defence environment within the region and beyond, LTG Terras emphasised the importance of professional military education; and the unity of nations as a most valuable strength we have.

It is BALTDEFCOL’s intention to continue with honouring its alumni for their distinguished military and civilian careers.