Mayor Eşki: “We will honor our veterans not only on one day, but always”

Veterans Day was commemorated in Bornova on September 19 with ceremonies and events. Following the official ceremony at Cumhuriyet Square, a breakfast program was held at Dramalılar Mansion, where Mayor Ömer Eşki emphasized the great contributions of veterans to the existence of the Republic, saying, “Our veterans are our greatest source of pride.” The program concluded with a gathering with veterans and families of martyrs at Abide-i Hürriyet Square.

Official ceremony at Cumhuriyet Square

September 19, the day when Mustafa Kemal Atatürk was awarded the title of Gazi (Veteran) along with the rank of Marshal in 1921, was celebrated in Bornova with enthusiastic and meaningful events. The first ceremony took place at Bornova Cumhuriyet Square. The program began with a moment of silence and the singing of the National Anthem. Bornova District Governor Muzaffer Şahiner, 57th Artillery Brigade Garrison Commander Brigadier General Tarık Demirci, Bornova Mayor Ömer Eşki, and representatives of veterans’ and martyrs’ associations laid wreaths at the Atatürk Monument. Participants expressed their gratitude and congratulations to the veterans.

During the ceremony, students read poems reflecting the significance of the day. İlker Türkol, President of the Turkish Combat Veterans Association İzmir Branch, stated:
“September 19 Veterans Day is the day of honor for all veterans who risked their lives in the War of Independence, in Korea, in Cyprus, and on July 15. The glorious Turkish Armed Forces, as in the past, today and tomorrow remain the guarantee of the indivisibility of our homeland and the strongest assurance of independence. Happy Veterans Day. I wish health and happiness to all my comrades who fought for our homeland, our nation, and our flag.”

Breakfast at Dramalılar Mansion

After the official ceremony, a breakfast program was held at Dramalılar Mansion, hosted by Bornova Municipality.

District Governor Muzaffer Şahiner said in his speech:
“It is impossible to repay your sacrifices. May God be pleased with you. You are always at the service of our state and our nation. I would like to thank our Mayor for hosting us here and all of you for your participation, and I wish you health and long life.”

Brigadier General Tarık Demirci, Commander of the 57th Artillery Brigade, emphasized the meaning of the uniform:
“I have worn this uniform with pride for 30 years. There is no magic in the uniform itself. We try to live up to the honor of wearing it. When I look back, I say ‘I am glad I fought for my country.’ We must teach our children the value of reaching such an esteemed rank.”

Veterans are our source of pride

In his speech, Bornova Mayor Ömer Eşki underlined that veterans are among the greatest sources of pride for the Turkish nation, saying:
“We are a great nation. What makes nations great is the greatness of their individuals. We are a noble nation with millions of veterans. Each of our veterans has played a crucial role in the existence and freedom of our Republic. It is our fundamental duty to remember you not only on one day but always. I hope you will spend the rest of your lives cherished and honored as you deserve by both our state and our nation.”

Meaningful gathering at Abide-i Hürriyet Square

After breakfast, veterans and families of martyrs were taken to Abide-i Hürriyet Square, a landmark created by Bornova Municipality. Mayor Eşki explained the purpose behind the square’s establishment and the meaning carried by the monuments and statues located there. The program concluded with heartfelt conversations with veterans and martyrs’ families.