Arnold Meri 1919 – 2009

Biography

Arnold Meri was born on July 1, 1919, in Tallinn, Estonia, during a transformative period in his nation’s history. He would grow to become a soldier of note, dedicating himself to military service during a complex era that tested the resolve of many Estonian men. His life spanned nine decades, witnessing profound changes across Eastern Europe and the world.

Throughout his service, Meri aligned himself with the Soviet Union during a time of significant historical consequence. His military career reflected the circumstances and choices of his generation, men who navigated the turbulent currents of twentieth-century European conflict and political upheaval. Though details of his specific service remain part of the historical record, his commitment to duty during these years was a defining aspect of his life.

Meri remained in his native Tallinn throughout his long life, never straying far from his roots in Estonia’s capital city. He passed away on March 27, 2009, at the age of 89, succumbing to lung cancer. His remains were laid to rest at Liiva Cemetery in Tallinn, where he rejoined the soil of the land he called home. Arnold Meri’s life, spanning from independence through occupation and beyond, represented one thread in the complex tapestry of Estonian history during the twentieth century.