May 19 Is Symbol of Revival for Turkish Nation

Today’s celebrations were scheduled to begin at 7.00 a.m., the exact time that Ataturk arrived in Samsun, with a volley of cannon shots fired on the anniversary of the day that Ataturk ignited the torch of the War of Liberation in that Black Sea city. A state ceremony participated in by President Sezer, military officers and civilian officials was held 9.00 a.m. at Anitkabir, Ataturk’s mausoleum in Ankara.

Another ceremony took place at 10.00 a.m. at Ankara’s 19 Mayis Stadium, where Sezer took his place before the crowd. A flag from Samsun and soil and a flag from Selanik (Thessaloniki) were presented to him, and students performed for the crowd following skydiving demonstrations.

Sezer stated that May 19 "has the meaning of an important turning point in the process of reaching infinity" for the Turkish nation. Reading from a prepared address, he said: "Ataturk, who thought that the situation in which the country found itself was not fate and who believed that the ‘determination and decisiveness of the nation will save the nation’s independence,’ started a movement enlightening the entire country by his trip to Samsun. His Anatolian journey, which he made in order to realize national unity and solidarity, revived hope that was at the point of fading and facilitated solidarity around common ideals in order to change the destiny of our country’s citizens. May 19, on which the War of Liberation actually started, is a symbol of the revival of the Turkish nation."

National News / Istanbul / TURKEY