Turkey remembers war veterans with nationwide events

By Sibel Morrow

ANKARA (AA) - Turkey commemorated its veterans with ceremonies held across the country on Veterans Day on Thursday.

Sept. 19 marks the day when the Turkish Grand National Assembly bestowed Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, the founding father of the Republic of Turkey, with the rank of Marshal and the title of Gazi (war veteran) in 1921 for his accomplishments during the Turkish War of Independence.

Wreathes were laid at the Ataturk's monuments, senior officials made speeches and students performed theatre plays during school ceremonies to mark the day.

Also, videos on the Turkish War of Independence were screened at the ceremonies.

"The precious memories of our heroes who defended this land -- which we inherited from our ancestors -- and gave the whole world the message that 'Anatolia is inviolable', will always be a guidance for our youth," a war veteran, Ali Guz said at the ceremony in Turkey's northwestern Tekirdag province.

In eastern Van province, 90-year-old Korean War Veteran Osman Celik said he had fought for two years in Korea.

"I would willingly fight for my country again," he said.