Turkey Marks Veterans Day With Ceremonies Nationwide

Turkey observed Veterans Day on September 19 with ceremonies held simultaneously across 81 provinces, including Samsun's Bafra district, Muğla, Kastamonu, and Kırklareli. Events featured wreath-laying at Atatürk monuments, moments of silence, and recitations of the National Anthem.

In Bafra, the ceremony took place at 15 July Democracy Square with the participation of the district governor, garrison command, and the Veterans Association. Association President Rahmi Şahin emphasized that independence is the character of the nation and described veterans' wounds as pages from the country's history.

“Today we are not here to commemorate an ordinary day; we are here to remember a trust, to show loyalty, to offer our gratitude to the living heroes of history.”

Muğla's ceremony at Republic Square was attended by Governor İdris Akbıyık, MP Selçuk Özdağ, and military commanders. Şehit Aileleri Derneği President Süleyman Taşkesen stated they gathered not for an ordinary day but to honor heroes who answered what homeland and sacrifice mean with their lives.

Kastamonu's program at the Public Education Center featured Veterans Association Branch President Hüseyin Mahmutoğlu, who delivered a speech nearly identical to Şahin's in Bafra, referencing Çanakkale, Sakarya, the Great Offensive, Korea, Cyprus, counterterrorism, and July 15.

In Kırklareli, events began at the Martyrs' Cemetery and continued at Liberty and Democracy Square. Veterans Solidarity Association President Gazi Erol Özsevim described the nationwide marches as a link in a heroism chain from Malazgirt to July 15, highlighting youth participation. Lieutenant Mustafa Demirocak called veterans the living epic of Turkish patriotism and sacrifice.