Aili Jõgi and Ageeda Paavel, both students in Tallinn, became symbols of youthful defiance against Soviet control during a time of increased tensions in Estonia following World War II. On May 8, 1946, these schoolgirls planned and executed the destruction of a Soviet memorial that had been controversially placed in the city. The monument, which commemorated Soviet soldiers, was seen by many Estonians as an unwanted symbol of oppression and foreign dominance. Their method involved using explosives, demonstrating not only bravery but also a sense of urgency in opposing Soviet-imposed narratives in their homeland.

The event took place within a larger context of resistance against Soviet rule, characterized by various acts of defiance throughout the Baltic states. Following the war, Estonia was incorporated into the Soviet Union, leading to widespread anger and the suppression of Estonian culture and autonomy. Jõgi and Paavel's actions can thus be interpreted as a reflection of the growing nationalist sentiments that would eventually lead to significant political changes in the region decades later.

This act of vandalism against the Soviet memorial resonated deeply within the community and sparked discussions about identity, independence, and the memory of World War II. The notoriety gained by this act was part of a broader wave of resistance that would characterize Estonia's struggle for independence in the latter decades of the 20th century.