Incirlik commemorates Ataturk Day

U.S., Turkish, Spanish, Qatari service members from across the base render a salute during the Ataturk Memorial Day Ceremony Nov. 10, 2019, at Incirlik Air Base, Turkey. The ceremony brought members from across the base together to honor Ataturk, the founder and first president of modern Turkey.

A member of the Turkish air force stands at attention during the Ataturk Memorial Day Ceremony Nov. 10, 2019, at Incirlik Air Base, Turkey. During the day of remembrance, the entire country pauses for two minutes at 9:05 a.m., and the beginning of silence is marked by blowing sirens, car horns, trains, ships and factory whistles.

1st Lt. Kaila Bryant, 39th Air Base Wing Public Affairs Officer, delivers a speech during the Ataturk Memorial Day Ceremony Nov. 10, 2019, at Incirlik Air Base, Turkey. Bryant highlighted Ataturk’s distinguished accomplishments that led to the rebirth of the Turkish nation.

A member of the Turkish air force raises the Turkish flag to half-staff during the Ataturk Memorial Day Ceremony Nov. 10, 2019, at Incirlik Air Base, Turkey. The ceremony commemorated the 81st anniversary of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk’s death. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Ceaira Tinsley)

U.S. Air Force Col. Sean McNamara, 39th Medical Group commander and the vice commander of the 10th Tanker Base stand in formation during the Ataturk Memorial Day Ceremony Nov. 10, 2019, at Incirlik Air Base, Turkey. The ceremony brought members from across the base together to honor Ataturk, the founder and first president of modern Turkey.

Members of the Turkish air force perform a ceremonial march during the Ataturk Memorial Day Ceremony Nov. 10, 2019, at Incirlik Air Base, Turkey. Ataturk is recognized throughout the Turkish culture as a military hero for his efforts that led to the defeat of the English armada at Gallipoli.

Members of the 39th Air Base Wing Honor Guard deliver a wreath during the Ataturk Memorial Day Ceremony Nov. 10, 2019, at Incirlik Air Base, Turkey. The U.S. Airmen stood shoulder to shoulder with their Turkish partners during the annual ceremony to recognize Mustafa Kemal’s efforts to modernize Turkey.

U.S. Air Force Col. Sean McNamara, 39th Medical Group commander, stands in formation during the Ataturk Memorial Day Ceremony Nov. 10, 2019, at Incirlik Air Base, Turkey. During the day of remembrance, the entire country pauses for two minutes at 9:05 a.m., the moment Ataturk passed.

Members of the Turkish air force and their children render salutes during the Ataturk Memorial Day Ceremony Nov. 10, 2019, at Incirlik Air Base, Turkey. The ceremony was open to base personnel and families to remember Ataturk’s brave history and the future and pride of Turkey.

A member of the Turkish air force salutes a monument of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk during the Ataturk Memorial Day Ceremony Nov. 10, 2019, at Incirlik Air Base, Turkey. In recognition of his cultural and socio-political reforms, Mustafa Kemal was given the last name Ataturk which means “father of Turks.”

U.S., Turkish, Spanish, Qatari service members from across the base render a salute during the Ataturk Memorial Day Ceremony Nov. 10, 2019, at Incirlik Air Base, Turkey. The ceremony brought members from across the base together to honor Ataturk, the founder and first president of modern Turkey.

U.S. Air Force Col. Sean McNamara, 39th Medical Group Commander and the vice commander of the 10th Tanker Base stand in formation during the Ataturk Memorial Day Ceremony Nov. 10, 2019, at Incirlik Air Base, Turkey. The ceremony brought members from across the base together to honor Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, the founder and first president of modern Turkey.