Veterans Day

H.E. President Abdullah Gül’s Message on the Occasion of  Veterans Day is as Follows:

“Martyrdom and being a war veteran are the best appellations and greatest honors for our nation. We as the whole nation are proud of our war veterans and martyrs who valued the land more than their own lives.

A great example of sacrifice and abnegation, our martyrs and war veterans always have a special place in the hearts of our nation.

Our war veterans have reached this appellation by serving the land for the sake of its integrity, the peace of our nation and security at the expense of their lives.

They, not hesitating to sacrifice themselves for this beautiful country, have won our nation’s appreciation and tribute with their unprecedented duties.

That the Turkish Grand National Assembly granted Mustafa Kemal Atatürk a title of war veteran (Gazi) and the rank of marshall shortly after the victory of the Battle of Sakarya demonstrates best the feelings of our nation in this respect.

Our state is trying hard to provide our veterans with the best amenities and to resolve their concerns. The Turkish nation has always held our martyrs and war veterans in high esteem. It has never forgotten and will never forget them.

This great land was entrusted to us by our past martyrs and veterans. I would like to underscore once again on Veterans Day that we will resolutely protect this sacred trust and carry this land into the future in the best way.

On the anniversary of Atatürk’s being granted the title of Gazi and rank of marshall and on the Veterans Day, I remember the great leader, Atatürk, his fellow soldiers, our martyrs and all war veterans passing away with respect and I would like to extend my thanks and gratitude to all our war veterans on behalf of our state and nation.”