CHP's Karaca proposes 'State Medal of Honor'

According to the proposal submitted by Deputy Speaker of the TBMM and CHP Denizli MP Gülizar Biçer Karaca, it is intended to award the 'State Medal of Honor' to members of the Turkish Armed Forces (TSK) who served in the Cyprus Peace Operation and the Korean War, as well as to the families of fallen soldiers, with the aim of officially honoring the sacrifices of these martyrs and veterans.

The justification for Karaca's proposal emphasizes Turkey's contributions to international peace and security, stating that the courage and self-sacrifice of the soldiers who fought in these wars must not be forgotten.

NUMBERS OF MARTYRS AND VETERANS

According to the data included in the legislative proposal:

• In the Cyprus Peace Operation, 498 soldiers were martyred and 37,653 soldiers became veterans. As of December 31, 2024, 23,479 Cyprus veterans are still alive.

• In the Korean War, 890 Turkish soldiers were martyred and 21,212 soldiers became veterans. As of December 31, 2024, 468 Korean War veterans are still alive.

JUSTIFICATION FOR THE LEGISLATIVE PROPOSAL

The legislative proposal states that the sacrifices of martyrs and veterans should be officially recognized by the state. The justification for the proposal notes that the Cyprus Peace Operation was a turning point in the struggle for independence of the Turkish Cypriot people, and that Turkish soldiers gained international prestige during the Korean War.

In her statement regarding the submission of the proposal, Gülizar Biçer Karaca said, "This medal is not just an insignia, but also a symbol of the state's debt of gratitude to our martyrs and veterans. Today, on March 18, Çanakkale Martyrs' Remembrance Day, we once again commemorate with mercy our heroes who gave their lives for the homeland, led by Gazi Mustafa Kemal Atatürk and his comrades-in-arms, and we carry the responsibility of keeping their legacy alive. We will never forget the sacrifices of our heroes who fought for the defense of the homeland in Çanakkale, Korea, Cyprus, and every corner of Anatolia."

News Source: 12punto