Turkish Flag Raised in New York City to Commemorate Sports Day

New York City, The Gulf Observer: The Turkish flag was raised in New York City to mark the Commemoration of Ataturk, Youth, and Sports Day, a significant milestone marking the beginning of Türkiye’s War of Independence.

Türkiye’s Ambassador to the US, Sedat Onal, joined Turkish Americans, city officials, and consular officers for the flag-raising ceremony on Wall Street, one of the world’s foremost financial centers.

The event was attended by Türkiye’s UN envoy Ahmet Yildiz, Consul General Reyhan Ozgur, diplomats, and members of the Turkish American community. This gathering highlighted the importance of May 19, 1919, when Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, the founder of the Republic of Türkiye, arrived in the Black Sea city of Samsun from Istanbul. This day marked the beginning of the war of independence, which four years later transformed the nation into modern Türkiye.

In 1938, Ataturk dedicated May 19 to the youth of the Turkish nation as Youth and Sports Day. This national holiday sees young people across Türkiye participate in sporting and cultural activities, accompanied by official ceremonies.

Ambassador Sedat Onal emphasized the day’s significance, stating, “Raising our flag here in New York, alongside our compatriots and friends, symbolizes the enduring spirit and resilience that Ataturk instilled in our nation. It is a day to honor our past and inspire our future, particularly our youth who are the torchbearers of Ataturk’s legacy.”

The ceremony in New York City reflects the global reach of this national celebration, fostering unity and pride among Turkish communities worldwide.