Today is September 19 Veterans Day.
Ceremonies are being held in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus marking the 101st anniversary of the title of veteran and marshal rank given to the great leader Mustafa Kemal Atatürk.
A ceremony was held in front of the Atatürk Monument in Lerfkoşa in line with celebrations marking September 19 Veterans Day.
Acting President Zorlu Töre, representatives from the Cyprus Turkish Peace Forces Command and Security Forces Command, a representative from the Lefkoşa Turkish Municipality, combat associations, school representatives and other institutions and organizations attended the ceremony.
The ceremony began with the laying of wreaths at the Atatürk Monument according to protocol, the observance of a minute’s silence followed by the hoisting of the flags to the national anthem.
Delivering a speech at the ceremony, acting President Töre noted that the majority of those attending the ceremony were veterans or children of veterans.
He added that that the Turkish soldiers, freedom fighters and the Turkish people could with hesitation sacrifice their lives for their flag, nation and independence.
Töre who pointed that the Turkish nation won victory after victory for this reason, said, “Independence or death is our motto. Of course, peace at home, peace in the world is also important, but we will not give up on our independence, freedom and the independence of Türkiye and the TRNC.”
Referring to Atatürk’s statement “Independence is my character,” he said that this view was the same for Türkiye and the TRNC, adding that the establishment of the Republic was the biggest holiday of the Turkish nation.
“We have sworn to protect our Republic. TRNC is also a national republic. We commemorate our martyrs who gave their lives for this cause with mercy and wish a healthy life to those who are alive. How happy is the one who says I am a Turk. May the souls of the founding President Rauf Raif Denktaş, the Freedom Struggle Leader Dr. Küçük and Mustafa Kemal Atatürk rest in peace.”
A second ceremony was also held at the Boğaz Martyrdom.