H.E. President Abdullah Gül’s Message on the August 30th Victory Day

“There are important days in the history of all nations. Today is the 90^th anniversary of the Glorious Victory with which we demonstrated to the whole world our belief in independence and resoluteness to live freely and independently.

August 30^th is a day of pride and honor for the Turkish nation. The whole country is elated to celebrate the August 30th Victory Day today and it cherishes and remembers all of its war veterans and martyrs who sacrificed their souls with gratitude. During the Independence War, the nation and the military made extraordinary efforts for the nation’s survival under the leadership of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk and gained a victory over armies far stronger than it was at the time.

The only resource of this unprecedented triumph was the very love and allegiance the Turkish nation bore for the land, freedom and its values. These feelings have always made our nation robust and unshakable, enabling the states it founded to shape the world’s history. Our differences and diversities have always served as our treasures which have strengthened our unity and solidarity. We are a nation that has demonstrated in the best way the qualities of tolerance, tribute, love and the culture of living together side by side to the whole world for a millennium. Those who target our unity and solidarity will never ever erode these as they have been disappointed in this regard for centuries.

We will continue to cherish and protect the war veterans and martyrs who sacrificed themselves without even blinking for the land, peace, security and prosperity of all of the citizens. These people are the most treasured citizens of all.

Our forefathers made this land meaningful by sacrificing themselves for the sake of it. Finding the Republic, they helped Anatolia rise from its ashes and launched a great development process. We as their heirs are displaying tireless efforts today to raise the Turkish Republic to the level of the modern civilizations and to provide our nation with much better living standards. The accomplishments and the level our nation has reached is the most evident indication that a brighter future awaits us. Achieving huge developments, Turkey is progressing on her path, looking to the future with self confidence today.

The Turkish army that has gained many glorious victories in history has enhanced the prestige of the country with its power and stability in the region. We are proud of our army’s defense for our land and achievements in the international missions it has assumed so far. I hereby would like to offer my gratitude to the Turkish Armed Forces which is fulfilling its responsibilities by its great sacrifices in fighting terrorism. Turkey, due to the geostrategic position it holds, has to keep its army stronger and raise its dissuasive force. Therefore, we appreciate the modernization studies in this regard.

I hereby once again remember the august Atatürk, the founder of the Republic, his comrades in arms, the heroes and heroines of the Independence War and all of the martyrs and war veterans with gratitude as well. I celebrate the Victory Day of our nation, the members of our army whose history is full of glorious triumphs and our troops that are successfully performing their duties abroad to contribute to the world peace. I extend my best wishes to my citizens as well.”