Following is the message President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan issued on the occasion of the May 19 Commemoration of Atatürk, Youth and Sports Day:
My august nation,
Dear youth, who assure a great and powerful Turkey...
May 19, 1919 is the day Ghazi Mustafa Kemal started the National Struggle with the strength he derived from the Turkish nation’s belief in independence.
In the fight we waged against the invading imperialist and colonialist forces, our nation rushed forward with an unwavering resolve to rise again in unity and solidarity.
The Turkish Nation displayed unprecedented perseverance and courage during the War of Independence, shielded their homeland and flag with their own bodies, and won an epic victory.
With their gallantry and endeavors since the National Struggle, our youth have proven to be our country’s hope.
Today we work with all our strength to crown our glorious victories and achieve our country’s goals for 2023 and the future with the energy we get from our youth and the strength we derive from our people-centered civilization of science and wisdom.
I believe our youth will uphold our vision, goals and values, further our cause, and will continue to represent our country in the strongest manner with their achievements in national and international areas.
As a country, which implements its own strategies in all areas both at the table and on the ground through national means and capabilities, and firmly advances towards its goals, we are proud of our youth’s contributions and accomplishments and always trust them.
We expect our youth to make the best of the supports and opportunities we provide in all areas from education to employment, from arts to sports in the bright Turkey we have built for them.
As Turkey grows stronger, advances towards becoming a regional and global leader, we will continue to offer more opportunities to our youth.
I believe our youth will endeavor in accordance with the responsibility, placed upon their shoulders by the fact that all the oppressed across the world pin their hopes and trust on Turkey.
With these thoughts, I celebrate the May 19 Commemoration of Atatürk, Youth and Sports Day and remember with respect all the heroes of our War of Independence, Ghazi Mustafa Kemal in particular.