President Erdoğan: May 19 is a source of pride for our nation and of inspiration for our youth

 

President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan addressed the youth and athletes via videoconference on the occasion of May 19 Commemoration of Atatürk, Youth and Sports Day.

Expressing his joy to come together, even if via videoconference, with the youth, who are the guarantee of a bright future, on this meaningful day, President Erdoğan offered his greetings to all the youth living in Turkey as well as across the world from Turkistan to Syria, from Arakan, Bosnia and Herzegovina to the Central Asia and Africa.

Remembering Ghazi Mustafa Kemal, the founder of the Republic, and all the heroes of the War of Independence with respect, President Erdoğan wished Allah’s mercy upon the martyrs and celebrated the citizens on Laylat al-Qadr, which is to be observed tonight. 

“MAY 19 STANDS FOR THE FIRST STEP OF FREEDOM AGAINST SLAVERY”

Stressing his pleasure over the youth’s embracing of the spirit of May 19 despite the restrictions caused by the epidemic, President Erdoğan continued as follows: “That is so because May 19 symbolizes the determination for resistance and the commitment for liberty possessed by our nation, being a member of which makes us proud. May 19 stands for the first step of freedom against slavery and of hope and courage against desperation. May 19 represents a nation’s perseverance for resurrection, getting started from Çanakkale and never giving up throughout the World War I despite all the hardships and privations. May 19 did not only initiate our War of Independence, but also heralded the proclamation of the Republic of Turkey, our last state, and the liberation of our nation. It was not by coincidence that a day of such profound meanings was gifted to our youth. May 19 is a source of pride for our nation, whose history is full of glorious victories and endeavors, and of inspiration for you, our youth.” 

Noting that the youth in Turkey now enlighten the path before the country by means of their participation in every sphere of life including education, security, politics and trade, President Erdoğan highlighted that the youth are not only at the forefront in the defense of the homeland but also lead the efforts for the country’s development and the achievement of a more advanced democracy.