Minister Yerlikaya: They failed, they will not succeed

Speaking at the "National Solidarity and Brotherhood Meeting with Martyrs' Families and Veterans" held in Samsun, Minister Yerlikaya emphasized that the programs organized under the leadership of the Ministry of Interior and in cooperation with the Turkey War Veterans, Martyrs' Widows and Orphans Association serve as a powerful bridge of national solidarity that brings hearts closer together.

Expressing that these meetings are the most concrete manifestation of the state's loyalty and gratitude toward martyrs and veterans, Yerlikaya said that every inch of these lands, which have been a homeland for a thousand years, has been kneaded with sacrifices.

Stating that the independence of the homeland, the shadow of the crescent-and-star flag, and the echo of the call to prayer in the skies are protected thanks to the heroes who fought with their lives and blood, Yerlikaya continued as follows:

"Our 'National Solidarity and Brotherhood Meetings with Martyrs' Families and Veterans' are the most concrete manifestation of our state's loyalty and gratitude toward our martyrs and veterans. Every inch of these lands, which we have made our homeland for a thousand years, is a witness to a price paid, a sacrifice made, and a dedication. We have heroes who protect the independence of our homeland, the shadow of our crescent-and-star flag, and the echo of the Muhammadan call to prayer in our skies with their lives and blood. We have brave souls who break down the doors of drug dealers with battering rams, take the breath away from organized crime groups, and make life unbearable for terrorists.

Our martyrs, who gave their lives for this homeland, fell to the ground so that our nation could hold its head high and keep its forehead clear. Our martyrs, who sacrificed themselves for this homeland, gave their lives so that the call to prayer would not be silenced, the flag would not be lowered, and the homeland would not be divided. Our veterans, by putting their lives on the line, said, 'This sacred land is not ownerless.' They did not bow their heads, they did not beg; they did not let a stranger's hand touch the chest of our sanctuary. As our poet of independence said; 'Look at the bodies of the martyrs, mountains and stones/If it weren't for that bowing, heads would not bow in the world.' They entrusted this homeland to us with such faith and loyalty. It is our vow, first to our martyrs and then to you; we will not let even the slightest shadow fall upon their memory! Because the cherished memory of our martyrs is our independence, and the honor of our veterans is our future."

In his speech, Minister Yerlikaya also commemorated Martyr Police Officer Emre Albayrak, stating that Albayrak, who walked to martyrdom at the age of just 27, served to ensure that young people would not surrender to the darkness of drugs. Addressing the martyr's family, Yerlikaya emphasized that the cherished memory of the martyrs would never be overshadowed, saying, "The memory of our martyrs is our independence, and the honor of our veterans is our future."

"They will not succeed"

Stating that brotherhood, unity, and solidarity are in the essence of the nation, Minister Yerlikaya expressed that this unity cannot be broken by weapons, discord, or terrorism. Yerlikaya said, "There is brotherhood, unity, and solidarity in the essence of our nation. This brotherhood is a common destiny filtered down from a thousand years of togetherness. This unity cannot be broken by weapons, cannot be torn apart by discord, and cannot be dispersed by terrorism. First, the seven powers joined forces; they failed.

Then, they thought they would win by turning us against each other. They thought they could destroy the fortress from within by making brother fight brother. But they failed, and they will not succeed. Under the strong leadership of our President, we are moving with firm steps toward the goal of a Turkey without terrorism. In defiance of those who want to make us enemies of each other, we are walking shoulder to shoulder toward prosperous tomorrows, united as one.

As our President has stated to you; 'A Turkey without terrorism is a historical responsibility to tear down the walls of discord, to thwart the insidious traps set against our brotherhood, and to refresh our covenant and affection to carry our country to a much brighter future.' From Samsun, in your presence, we say once again: our unity is permanent, our brotherhood is eternal. This homeland is an indivisible whole. This march is the march of a great and powerful Turkey. This march is the march of peace, security, and justice. This march is a march that exalts the legacy of our martyrs and crowns the honor of our veterans," he said.

News Source: 12punto