Vigil of respect for the martyrs of Sarıkamış

Teachers and students from the Sarıkamış Martyr İlhan Yıldız Anatolian High School reached the Upper Sarıkamış Martyrs' Cemetery after a march of approximately 5 kilometers, carrying Turkish flags. There, history teacher Bahattin Kılıç provided information about the Sarıkamış Operation, followed by prayers. Soup was served to the participants.

Later, faculty members and students from the Kafkas University Sarıkamış Vocational School also arrived at the Alisofu Martyrs' Monument, where they held a moment of silence and sang the National Anthem.

Students wearing military uniforms stood a symbolic vigil of respect in shifts at minus 10 degrees Celsius.

Sarıkamış District Governor Enis Aslantatar stated during the program that the vigil of respect was being held on the 109th anniversary of the Sarıkamış Operation.

Explaining that the operation began on December 22, 1914, Aslantatar said, "We wish for God's mercy upon all our martyrs, primarily Gazi Mustafa Kemal Pasha. We wish mercy for our deceased veterans and health and well-being for those who are still alive. The legacy of our martyrs will always be held in the highest regard."

High school student Enes Kaya stated that they gathered at the Sarıkamış Martyrs' Cemetery as they do every year, adding, "We are very proud, and equally saddened by the results of the operation. May the souls of our martyrs rest in peace."

Student Hatice Yıldız stated that they remember all the martyrs with mercy, saying, "We have not forgotten you, and we will not forget you. We are grateful to our soldiers who drank the sherbet of martyrdom and fell for the sake of the homeland yesterday, today, and tomorrow."

The program was attended by Sarıkamış Chief Public Prosecutor Ömer Faruk Gözeger, District Gendarmerie Commander Captain Alim Burak Çelik, District Police Chief Canan Altınkaya, Acting Provincial Director of Youth Services and Sports Ayhan Yüreğir, District Youth and Sports Director Ali Koçak, Sarıkamış Vocational School Deputy Director Ömer Cengiz, and students.

News Source: AA