The 100th anniversary of the arrival of the founder of the Republic of Turkey, the Great Leader Gazi Mustafa Kemal Atatürk in Mersin, was commemorated with a simple ceremony due to the earthquake and flood. To the ceremony; Mersin Governor Ali Hamza Pehlivan, Mediterranean Region and Garrison Commander Rear Admiral Fuat Gedik and Mersin Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Vahap Seçer, as well as combat veterans, deputies, district mayors, representatives of institutions and organizations attended.
In the program that started at Mersin Train Station, the representative delegation consisting of combat veterans was welcomed by the members of the protocol. After the train with veterans arrived at Mersin Station, the Turkish flag was delivered to Mersin Governor Ali Hamza Pehlivan by a veteran. The ceremony, which continued in Cumhuriyet Square after the Train Station, started with the presentation of wreaths to the Atatürk Monument by the Governor Pehlivan, Rear Admiral Gedik and President Seçer.
Speaking at the ceremony where the students read poems about the meaning and importance of the day, President Seçer stated that they commemorated the 100th anniversary of the arrival of Gazi Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder of our Republic, to the city with the excitement 100 years ago, but also sadly due to the disasters experienced, and said, “February 6 and the following days, one after the other. We experienced devastating earthquakes, followed by floods. We lost thousands of our citizens in these disasters. Thousands of our citizens are injured. Our ancient cities are gone. Our hearts were drowned. We are working hard to erase the traces of pain and memories and to restore our cities. I wish once again God's mercy to all our citizens who lost their lives in the earthquake and flood, patience to their relatives, and a speedy recovery to the injured."
“This beautiful city, this beautiful country; it was founded on unwavering faith”
Stating that the Great Leader lit the torch of the Independence Struggle in Mersin on November 5, 1918, President Seçer pointed out that he gave the message of New Turkey again from Mersin, after the victory, and said, “As the dates show March 17, 1923, he He was in Mersin again. Founder of our Republic; this time he gave the message of New Turkey from these lands. Because he; He trusted Mersin and the people of Mersin, whom he saw as the leading city of trade, agriculture and art. He trusted not only us citizens of Mersin, but also his entire nation. Here is this beautiful city, this beautiful country; it was founded with unwavering faith," he said.
Stating that the Pasinler earthquake took place on September 13, 1924, in the first year of the republic, President Seçer said that as soon as Mustafa Kemal Atatürk got the news of the earthquake, he went to Erzurum without hesitation and said, "It is necessary to think about preventive and protective measures before the disaster strikes. ' he said, 'Those words are also valid for today. Because the end of every step taken without science is a disaster. Of course, our people; managed to overcome all difficulties in unity and solidarity; will succeed. However, I would like to say with regret that despite the many painful experiences we have had; Neither our country nor our city is adequately prepared for an earthquake," he said.
“Because we are on Atatürk's side”
President Seçer said that everyone with responsibility has to take all measures for the safety of life and property of citizens, based on science against disasters, and said:
“This is our most fundamental task for today. Our ancestor; 100 years ago, he showed our way to the people of Mersin by saying 'Mersin people, take care of Mersin'. There is no difficulty that cannot be overcome with good planning. We are working in this direction, we will continue to work. Because we are on Atatürk's side. Because its side is the side of reason, science and logic.”
“I am once again proud of our ancestor, I remember him with gratitude”
Addressing the youth in the last part of his speech, President Seçer reminded that the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Republic of Turkey will be celebrated at the same time this year, and said, “This anniversary is not just a calendar change for us. We will carry our country into the next century with breakthroughs that will bring our Republic, which is the name of a great transformation, to the level we dreamed of in political, economic, social and diplomatic fields. This vision, which we will raise above all the achievements of our country and civilization, will be the greatest legacy we will leave you. I sincerely believe that you too will protect this legacy. On this historic day, I once again commemorate our Father with pride and gratitude. I once again commemorate our citizens and martyrs who lost their lives in disasters with mercy.”