A day to remember father Mustafa Kemal Ataturk Published Nov. 10, 2014 By Airman Cory W. Bush 39th Air Base Wing Public Affairs INCIRLIK AIR BASE, Turkey -- Turkish and U.S. Airmen of Incirlik Air Base salute a Mustafa Kemal Ataturk monument during the Ataturk Memorial Day ceremony Nov. 10, here. The two nations gathered together to honor Ataturk, the founder and first president of modern Turkey, on the 76th anniversary of his passing. "I felt honored to be a part of such a rich historical and political Turkish event," said 1st Lt. Leslie Martell, 39th Medical Support Squadron Resource Management Medical Information Systems Flight commander. "The opportunity to participate in such a significant and almost nationally private honoring of such a beloved president is humbling at the very least. I felt that the Turkish military and civilians that were present at the ceremony gained a new level of respect and camaraderie for the U.S. Air Force by their participation." Today Ataturk lives on in the hearts and minds of the Turkish people as they represent a rich history, carry pride and build the future of Turkey. Click here to view photos.