President Arıcı: ‘May 19 is an occasion for us to look to the future with hope’

The Mayor of Koçarlı, Özgür Arıcı, issued a message on the occasion of May 19th, Commemoration of Atatürk, Youth and Sports Day.

Emphasizing that May 19th, 1919, was one of the turning points in the establishment of the Republic of Turkey, Mayor Arıcı stated that the national struggle initiated by Mustafa Kemal Atatürk and his comrades landing in Samsun symbolized the determination of the Turkish nation towards independence and freedom.

Mayor Arıcı expressed his belief that the youth, by embracing Atatürk’s ideals on this important day, will play a significant role in the future of the country. He said, “May 19th, 1919, is the day when the noble Turkish nation rebelled against the occupying forces, when under the leadership of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, a decision to establish a fully independent state based on national sovereignty was realized, and when the first spark of the struggle for existence was ignited. Our great leader Atatürk, who believed that the development and rise of the Republic of Turkey State could only be achieved through the diligence and determination of the Turkish youth, entrusted the task of preserving and defending our Republic to the Turkish youth in whom he believed and trusted the most. Therefore, May 19th is not only a respect for the past but also an occasion for us to look hopefully towards the future. We are ready to provide all kinds of support for our youth, who are the guarantee of our future, to succeed in areas such as sports, science, and arts.”

Mayor Özgür Arıcı, congratulating the entire public and especially the youth on the holiday, said, “With these feelings and thoughts, I commemorate all the heroes of our Independence struggle, especially the Founder of our Republic, Gazi Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, with mercy and gratitude, and sincerely celebrate the 105th anniversary of May 19th, Commemoration of Atatürk, Youth and Sports Day.”