In the same evening, Päts gave the presidential oath of office in front of the Riigikogu and thus became the first President of Estonia. Päts stated: "And if today we have reached a time and place, where we have built up and organized our national institution, then this is the happiest day in my life." He was then awarded with the special sash of the Order of the National Coat of Arms as the presidential decoration and several other decorations by the Deputy Prime Minister Kaarel Eenpalu.