KAHRAMANMARAŞ, Wednesday, June 10, 2026 (WNP): Turkish National Defense Minister Yaşar Güler has reaffirmed Türkiye’s determination to eliminate terrorism and secure a peaceful future for coming generations, while paying tribute to the country’s veterans and martyrs during a visit to the Turkish Combat Veterans Association in Kahramanmaraş.

As part of his visit to the historic city, Güler met with veterans and praised the association’s efforts to strengthen solidarity among former servicemen, protect their rights and preserve the spirit of sacrifice and patriotism for future generations.

Expressing his appreciation for the association’s work, the defense minister said veteranhood has always occupied a place of great honor and pride in Turkish history and society.

“Veteranhood is a great source of honor and pride. It symbolizes love for the homeland and nation, noble character and a dignified stance,” Güler said.

He described Turkish veterans as living symbols of courage and sacrifice who risked their lives for the defense of the nation, the flag and the homeland.

The minister said the heroic sacrifices made by Türkiye’s martyrs and veterans would remain forever etched in the nation’s memory and continue to inspire future generations.

“The epic stories of heroism written by our martyrs and veterans will never be forgotten and will always live in the faithful hearts of our nation,” he said.

Güler emphasized that the Turkish state remains committed to supporting veterans and the families of martyrs, describing them as among the nation’s most valued citizens.

“We will always stand by our heroic veterans and our cherished families of martyrs and veterans,” he added.

Addressing Türkiye’s ongoing efforts to eliminate terrorism, the defense minister said the country is moving decisively toward the goal of a “Terror-Free Türkiye” after more than four decades of violence and security challenges.

He said the initiative, being pursued under the leadership of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, aims to remove obstacles to national progress, strengthen social cohesion and secure a peaceful future for younger generations.

“Today, we are advancing with determination toward the goal of a Terror-Free Türkiye in order to rid our country of the scourge of terrorism that has threatened our peace and security for more than 40 years,” he said.

Güler stressed that all measures taken within this framework would fully respect the legacy of Türkiye’s martyrs and veterans.

“I would like to emphasize that no step will ever be taken that casts a stain on the sacred memory of our martyrs or harms the honor, dignity and sacrifices of our veterans,” he said.

The minister further underlined that Türkiye’s efforts to combat terrorism would never come at the expense of national unity, security or brotherhood.

“Turkey is managing this process with comprehensive planning, drawing strength from centuries of state tradition and national historical consciousness,” he noted.

Güler said Türkiye’s ultimate objective is to create a future free from violence, bloodshed and division, where future generations can grow up in an atmosphere of peace, stability and brotherhood.

“Our sole aim is to build a future in which we no longer lose our children, where blood and tears have ended, and where our children grow up only in an environment of peace and fraternity,” he said.

The defense minister reiterated that preserving the memory of martyrs, honoring veterans and supporting their families remain among the state’s highest responsibilities.

Concluding his remarks, Güler paid tribute to the founder of the Republic of Türkiye, Gazi Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, his comrades-in-arms, and all martyrs and veterans who contributed to the nation’s defense and independence.

He wished health and long life to Türkiye’s veterans and thanked the Turkish Combat Veterans Association for its continued service in preserving the country’s rich legacy of sacrifice, patriotism and national unity.

“The heroism of Türkiye’s martyrs and veterans is the nation’s greatest source of inspiration, and their legacy will continue to guide the country’s journey toward peace, security and national unity.”