Veterans Day ceremony in Datça: 'You are the architects of the Blue Homeland'
A ceremony was held at the Datça Atatürk Monument to mark September 19 Veterans’ Day. Speaking at the ceremony, retired Navy Colonel Erdal Candan, a veteran of the Cyprus War, emphasized that veterans are the guarantors of the Republic. There are 16 veterans in Datça.
This article was translated automatically from Turkish. Türkçe orijinal ›
Veterans’ Day on September 19 was celebrated with a ceremony held in Datça. During the ceremony, which took place in front of the Datça Atatürk Monument, wreaths were laid at the monument by the Datça District Governor’s Office, the Garrison Command, the Datça Municipality, and the Datça Branch of the Combat Veterans Association.
Following the wreath-laying ceremony, a moment of silence was observed and the Turkish National Anthem was sung. The ceremony was attended by Datça District Governor Murat Atıcı, officials from the Garrison Command, Datça Mayor Aytaç Kurt, members of the official delegation, veterans, students, and citizens.
“You are the guarantors of our Republic”
Cyprus War veteran and retired Navy Staff Colonel Erdal Candan, delivering the ceremony’s speech, highlighted the significance of the day, "September 19 Veterans’ Day is a day of honor and heroism for our selfless and heroic veterans who risked their lives fighting for the independence and survival of our beloved homeland," he said.
Addressing the veterans, Candan said, “You are the guarantors and cornerstones of our Republic. You are the architects of the Blue Homeland.”
The Historical Significance of September 19
In his speech, Candan drew attention to September 19, 1921, recalling that on this date, the Grand National Assembly of Turkey conferred the rank of Marshal and the title of “Gazi” upon Mustafa Kemal.
Addressing the youth as well, Candan said, “They became martyrs and veterans by risking their lives for you and our future. Uphold this trust,” and paid tribute to those who lost their lives in terrorist attacks.
At the ceremony in Datça, which was reported to have been attended by 16 war veterans, student Ece Selçuk recited a poem reflecting on the significance of the day.
The photo is for illustrative purposes only.
