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VETERANS DAY COMMEMORATED IN BODRUM WITH CEREMONIES & VISITS

19.09.2025

Bodrum Municipality, through its Office for Families of Martyrs and Veterans Services in cooperation with the Bodrum Association of Combat Veterans, organised a series of events and visits on 19 September to mark Veterans Day

Students Meet with Veterans

As part of the programme, students from Konacık Cahit Özvezneci Primary School visited the Bodrum Association of Combat Veterans, where they listened to stories and memories shared by the veterans. Later, the veterans visited Bodrum Yeniköy Murat Bora Primary School and engaged with pupils there.

Underscoring the importance of remembering and passing on such values to future generations, the veterans also paid a home visit to Korean War Veteran Ömer Damar, joined by Bodrum District Governor Ali Sırmalı and his wife Nuray Sırmalı.

Official Ceremonies and Commemorations

The official ceremony, organised by the Bodrum District Governorship, began with a wreath-laying ceremony at Bodrum Municipality Square on Friday, 19 September. Attendees included Bodrum District Governor Ali Sırmalı, Garrison Commander Colonel Ayhan Ulutaş, Mayor Tamer Mandalinci, deputy mayors, municipal council members, institutional representatives, political party and NGO delegates, veterans, students and citizens.

Following a minute’s silence and the national anthem, Medine Melek Tuluy, a student from Kanuni Sultan Süleyman Anatolian High School, recited the poem “To Our Veterans”. The Chairman of the Bodrum Branch of the Turkish Association of Combat Veterans, Hasan Külcü, delivered a speech highlighting the significance of the day.

After the official ceremony, veterans visited the Bodrum District Governorship, Bodrum Municipality and the Garrison Command. The day continued with a luncheon hosted by Bodrum Municipality at Trafo Café and a lokma (traditional pastry) distribution at the square.

Mayor Mandalinci: “Not Just One Day, But Every Day We Stand by You”

On the occasion of Veterans Day, Bodrum Mayor Tamer Mandalinci expressed his gratitude:

“Our esteemed veterans, who have followed in the footsteps of our Republic’s founder, Martyr Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, and who never hesitated to put their lives on the line in defence of our homeland, are the living heroes of our glorious history and the pride of our nation. The sacrifice and courage you have shown remain the assurance of our independence. We remember our martyrs with reverence, commemorate the veterans who have passed away with deep respect and wish health, peace and well-being to those who are still with us. Not just one day, but every day, we stand by you. Happy Veterans Day.”