"We're Stronger Because We're Democracies"

At the Nordea Concert Hall in Tallinn, Estonia today, President Obama spoke to students, young professionals, and civic leaders about the enduring strength and promise of democracy.

In celebrating the 10th anniversary of the Baltics in NATO, the President noted that "freedom needs a foundation of security," and will now "always be guaranteed by the strongest military alliance the world has ever known." He made clear, however, that it's not a military alliance that makes our countries strong -- it is our commitment to democracy:

We're stronger because we're democracies. We're not afraid of free and fair elections, because true legitimacy can only come from one source -- and that is the people. We're not afraid of an independent judiciary, because no one is above the law. We're not afraid of a free press or vibrant debate or a strong civil society, because leaders must be held accountable. We're not afraid to let our young people go online to learn and discover and organize, because we know that countries are more successful when citizens are free to think for themselves.

See more of the President's remarks here:

All times are Eastern Time (ET)

2:45 AM: The President meets and greets with Embassy personnel

3:20 AM: The President participates in an official arrival ceremony

3:40 AM: The President participates in the guest book signing and official photo with President Ilves of Estonia

3:45 AM: The President holds a bilateral meeting with President Ilves of Estonia

4:50 AM: The President holds a joint press conference with President Ilves of Estonia

6:10 AM: The President arrives to the Stenbock House

6:20 AM: The President holds a bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Roivas of Estonia

7:20 AM: The President meets with President Ilves of Estonia, President Berzins of Latvia, and President Grybauskaite of Lithuania

8:20 AM: The President, President Ilves of Estonia, President Berzins of Latvia, and President Grybauskaite of Lithuania deliver statements

9:10 AM: The President delivers remarks

10:20 AM: The President and Prime Minister Roivas of Estonia receive a briefing on NATO Reassurance

10:25 AM: The President and Prime Minister Roivas of Estonia deliver remarks to U.S. & Estonian Service Members

10:55 AM: The President departs Tallinn, Estonia en route Fairford, United Kingdom

11:45 AM: The Vice President delivers remarks at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard

1:55 PM: The President arrives Fairford, United Kingdom