In the ceremony organized under the leadership of Minister of National Defense Yaşar Güler, all members of the Turkish Armed Forces celebrated August 30 Victory Day. President Erdoğan commemorated the precious martyrs who have been the eternal guardians of the homeland for nearly a thousand years, and expressed his gratitude to the veterans. The architect of the Great Victory, Gazi Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, and his comrades-in-arms were also respectfully remembered. President Erdoğan stated that this magnificent victory was the holiday of the precious nation and the heroic Turkish army that emerged from its essence.
President Erdoğan emphasized that the Turkish Armed Forces have the courage to write new epics of heroism against those who attempt to threaten their homeland. He recalled the speech of Gazi Mustafa Kemal Atatürk to the victorious Turkish army in Dumlupınar on September 1, 1922, and stated that the army's success was worthy of the sacrifices of the great and noble nation.
The Importance of the Military Academy
Our Military Academy is the apple of the eye of our army with its 190-year history. Stating that they are always proud of the heroic members of the Turkish Armed Forces, each of whose members are the true children of the nation, President Erdoğan said that they will celebrate the 30nd anniversary of the August 102 Victory Day together with a special program to be held at the Presidential Complex this evening. He emphasized that they will bid farewell to the special place of August in our history as the month of victories with a magnificent victory enthusiasm.
President Erdoğan stated that the Military Academy, founded in 1834 under the name Mekteb-i Harbiye-i Şahane, trained heroic officers who sacrificed their lives to defend the homeland. He reminded that Gazi Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, Marshal Fevzi Çakmak and other distinguished figures graduated from this school.
New Graduates and the Power of the Army
We are adding new steel wrists to the ranks of our army. President Erdoğan stated that a total of 72 students graduated from the Military Academy this year, 989 of whom were guests from abroad. He congratulated the graduating lieutenants and thanked their instructors and commanders. He emphasized that the success rate was increasing day by day with the restructuring of the Military Academy.
President Erdoğan stated that the brave and selfless members of the Turkish Armed Forces are among the most respected armies in the world. He stated that the Turkish Armed Forces has been strengthened with the graduation of 72 students this year, 989 of whom are guests.
National Defense Reforms
We put an end to difficult situations. President Erdoğan stated that they have taken important steps to address the deficiencies of the army in terms of personnel, training, equipment and capabilities. He noted that the War Academies and vocational schools that train cadres for the Turkish Armed Forces have begun to provide higher quality education with new education systems. He emphasized that they have added strength to the army with these reforms and proven this with the successes achieved in the field.
President Erdoğan stated that the army is a structure that always serves the nation and is loyal to its state. The Turkish Armed Forces, which successfully fulfilled its duties in regions such as Syria, Northern Iraq, Libya and Somalia, quickly compensated for the damage caused by the treacherous coup attempt on July 15.
Regional and Global Issues
Wherever we have a kinsman, his issue is our issue. President Erdoğan stated that they are aware of the responsibilities stemming from Turkey's geographical location. He emphasized that wherever there is a kinsman from the Adriatic to the Asian steppes, the issues there are also their own issues. He stated that the problems of their brothers from the Caucasus to Africa are their own problems.
President Erdoğan stated that the Turkish Armed Forces, which have been the symbol of the Turkish nation's struggle for independence throughout history, are the guarantee of the indivisible unity of the homeland. He reminded that they will embrace the heroic soldiers who proudly wave the Turkish flag abroad in the program at the Presidential Complex this evening.
Conclusion and Wishes
President Erdoğan said, “I know you will not hesitate to drink the sherbet of martyrdom,” and expressed that the determination required for the Turkish nation to live in a strong, independent and free manner will always be shown. He also wished for the completion of the mosques currently under construction in other school campuses of the National Defense University.
Finally, President Erdoğan wished success to the newly graduated lieutenants, saying, "May your sword be sharp, your foresight be strong, and your path be clear."
