Children perform, celebrate Turkey’s Independence Published Nov. 5, 2010 By Senior Airman Sara Csurilla 39th Air Base Wing Public Affairs INCIRLIK AIR BASE, Turkey -- Seven students from the violin and cello classes at Cukurova University State Conservatory performed a "Children of the Republic Concert" at the base theater here Oct. 25, to celebrate Turkey's 87th Republic Day. Brig. Gen. Haluk Selvi, the commander of the 10th Tanker Command here hosted the event, which was open to all Airmen as a sign of continued partnership. The third-through eighth-grade students played cello and violin for the audience which included Col. Eric Beene, the 39th Air Base Wing commander, his family and several members of wing leadership. "It was a wonderful concert," said Chief Master Sgt. Marcus Snoddy, 39th Air Base Wing command chief. "Some of them were so young and the quality of music was amazing. I was really impressed. This event was also a great opportunity to strengthen our relationship with our Turkish allies and enjoy their culture at the same time. I look forward to future events like this." Republic Day is a day dedicated to the celebration of Turkey's independence. Turkey declared itself a republic Oct. 29, 1923, and in honor of the holiday, ceremonies, parades and many other events are held throughout the country. At the beginning of the concert the emcee explained the reason children were chosen to help celebrate the important holiday this year - children give a different flavor and deeper meaning to a festival. "Children and music -both of them are magical, both heat up people's hearts and both are sources of happiness and joy," said Capt. Burcu Altinok, General Selvi's executive officer. At the end of the concert, and after a standing ovation from the crowd, General Selvi thanked the children individually and presented each of them with a certificate of appreciation.