Heroic veterans shared their experiences with younger generations

Üsküdar University Vocational School of Health Services (SHMYO) and Accessible Life Support Application and Research Center (ENMER), in collaboration with the Ministry of Family and Social Services, organized a “Homeland and Heroism Meeting” to keep national consciousness and the culture of loyalty alive. At the meeting, the spiritual dimension of homeland defense, the concepts of veteran status and martyrdom were conveyed to younger generations through the narratives of living witnesses.

The program held at Üsküdar University Çarşı Campus Emirnebi Conference Hall was attended by Üsküdar University Rector's Advisor Prof. İsmail Barış, SHMYO Director Asst. Prof. Ömer Faruk Karasakal, representatives from Üsküdar Social Services Center Martyrs' Relatives and Veterans Service Unit, academics, and many students. 

During the program, all speeches were simultaneously conveyed to the participants by a sign language interpreter on stage, within the scope of accessible access.

Prof. İsmail Barış: “The spirit of heroism exists in every phase of our history”

In his opening speech, Üsküdar University Rector's Advisor Prof. İsmail Barış drew attention to the spiritual value of martyrdom and veteran status; “In the Holy Quran, it is stated that our martyrs are alive, but we cannot comprehend this. Dear young people, if you can sit peacefully in those rows today, and if our flag can wave in the skies, you must see the share of our martyrs and veterans in this. Our veterans are people who sacrificed parts of their physical integrity for these lands, sending a limb to the afterlife in advance, so that you may live in peace. From Prophet Muhammad to Hz. Ali, from Çanakkale to Gazi Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, this spirit of heroism exists in every phase of our history. Every inch of our homeland is watered with the blood of martyrs. If we do not uphold this consciousness, we cannot protect our independence and freedom. The noble blood in your veins and our deeply rooted culture will always uphold this trust.” he said.

Asst. Prof. Ömer Faruk Karasakal: “The homeland is not merely a piece of land”

SHMYO Director Asst. Prof. Ömer Faruk Karasakal, who spoke at the program; “The concept we call homeland is not merely a piece of land we walk upon. The homeland is our most precious value, for which sacrifices are made, which gains meaning through memories, and which represents our independence and future. Heroism, on the other hand, is to shy away from no sacrifice to preserve these sacred values. Today, listening to the experiences and firsthand accounts of our veterans, and comprehending the love of homeland through their memories, is extremely valuable for our students and for us. I wholeheartedly believe that our youth will leave here with a strong historical and responsibility consciousness.” he said. 

Kazım Kalelioğlu: “There is no class for a veteran or a martyr”

Cyprus Veteran Kazım Kalelioğlu, who delivered a speech on the title of combat veteran and front-line consciousness; “We are combat veterans; that is, individuals who have directly fought and engaged in war on the front line. However, veteran status cannot be limited solely to being wounded. Everyone who entered the war, carried ammunition, carried water, and transported the wounded to a field hospital is an inseparable part of that struggle. Furthermore, our brothers and sisters who sustained permanent injuries in the defense of the homeland have been honored with disabled veteran status. It should not be forgotten that neither a martyr nor a veteran has a class or rank. From the highest-ranking commander to a private, all are one for this homeland.” he stated.

Musa Öztürk: “We paid a price for these lands”

Turkish Armed Forces (TSK) Veteran Musa Öztürk, who shared his memories from counter-terrorism operations and his journey to veteran status with the youth; “Years ago, when I was a university student like you, I couldn't fully grasp the concepts of martyrdom and veteran status. However, as I served during my national duty in urban operations in the East, and then in the Syrian Al-Bab and Afrin operations, I personally witnessed how heavy the price of these lands is. During the Afrin Operation, which we launched in winter conditions to protect our borders and eliminate threats, I lost my right eye as a result of a rocket hitting our position, and our state honored me with the title of veteran. We paid a price for these lands and put our hands under the stone. Now my request from you is to protect our homeland, our flag, and our future with the same consciousness and determination.” he said.
Program, kahraman gazilerimize teşekkür belgeleri ile Üsküdar University Memorial Forest sapling certificates were presented, and the program concluded with a group photo taken on stage.