May 19 enthusiasm in Muğla: The sky colored by F-16s

In the Menteşe district of Muğla, the May 19 Commemoration of Atatürk, Youth and Sports Day was celebrated with great enthusiasm. The events began with demonstrations in the sky by F-16 fighter jets belonging to the Air Force Command. Citizens watched the acrobatic maneuvers performed by the F-16s with admiration.

Following the demonstrations, a Youth March was held from the Atatürk bust to the Menteşe Sports Hall, accompanied by a marching band. In the procession, which was decorated with Turkish flags, young people and citizens walked together, sending a message of national unity and solidarity. The celebration program at the Menteşe Sports Hall began with a moment of silence and the singing of the National Anthem. Afterward, young athletes showcased their skills in gymnastics, basketball, and taekwondo. While the performances received great applause from the audience, the shows staged by Sports High School students and the folk dance team were also watched with appreciation.

"MAY 19 IS THE DAY THE TORCH OF INDEPENDENCE WAS LIT"

Speaking at the program, Muğla Provincial Director of Youth and Sports Kazım Açıkbaş emphasized the meaning and importance of the day, stating, "Today, we are commemorating the 106th anniversary of a historic step that changed the fate of the Turkish nation, our journey to independence. The National Struggle, which Gazi Mustafa Kemal Atatürk initiated by landing in Samsun on May 19, 1919, is a turning point where hope blossomed again and the nation stood up with unity and faith. The torch of freedom lit that day spread throughout the country with the determination and sacrifice of our nation, and the War of Independence was crowned with the Republic. Atatürk entrusted the foundation of our Republic to the youth because he always trusted the determination, will, and patriotism of the youth. May 19 is youth. Youth means the future. The Turkish youth is the unyielding guardian of Turkish independence and the Republic of Turkey. The Republic of Turkey is entrusted to you. It is the duty of all of us to keep this trust alive and carry it into the future. As the Muğla Provincial Directorate of Youth and Sports, we are by your side with all our resources so that you can develop in sports, arts, science, and cultural fields. It is the responsibility of all of us to keep the spirit that formed the foundation of the National Struggle alive and to carry that spirit into the future. A youth that protects its homeland, flag, and values is the guarantee of Turkey's bright future. Do not forget that, 'The one who loves their country the most is the one who does their duty the best.' On this meaningful day, I commemorate all our heroes and our dear martyrs, especially Gazi Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, with respect and mercy, and I wholeheartedly celebrate the holiday of our youth and our nation."

The celebrations, which continued throughout the day in Menteşe, were followed with great interest by the citizens. The May 19 Commemoration of Atatürk, Youth and Sports Day left a mark on memories with the enthusiastic participation of the youth and the performances they displayed.