European Stars and Stripes (Newspaper) - June 7, 1990, Darmstadt, Hesse                                May 19 is special for turkish youth by Dave Walczak staff writer for one Day last month turkish Young people moved to the forefront of their nation. The occasion was the 71 St anniversary of the beginning of the turkish War of Independence and the setting was a downtown Ankara stadium where thousands of turkish youths grabbed Center stage. May 19 is youth and sports Day in Turkey a uniquely turkish National Holiday established by Mustafa Kemal or Ataturk the founder of the modern Day Turkey. As part of the annual Celebration More than 22,000 people packed Ankara s May 19 stadium to watch thousands of youths perform reinforcing Ataturk s legacy. Addressing turkish youth following the War Ataturk had declared Quot turkish youth. Your first duty is to preserve and defend forever turkish Independence and the turkish Republic. This is the Only foundation for your existence and your future. The principle is your most valuable source of  in Honor of Ataturk a huge Banner of Quot the father of the turks Quot Hung above the grandstand. Turkish ministry of culture officials assembled More than 6,000 teenagers and about 1,000 police cadets to perform a variety of gymnastics and dances under sunny skies. The routines were put together by to Sal Basaran who Heads the ministry s youth services department. The youths practice their synchronized routines for up to three hours a Day for two weeks prior to the performance. In addition More than 4,500 youths in grades six through 12 were organized into a Flash card Section. Those holding the coloured cards combined to produce a variety of backdrops and slogans such As Quot turkish police guaranteeing the Republic and the Laws of the  although turkish youths celebrated May 19 throughout the nation the gathering inside the Ankara stadium was the largest single event carrying on a tradition that began in the nation s capital in 1929. In addition to the dances and gymnastics onlookers were treated to a marching band a Parachute drop and an opening Parade that concluded with All the participants lining the Field that is usually reserved for soccer matches. Entry to the event which began at 9 30 . And lasted about three hours was free. A special Section was reserved for turkish military and political dignitaries including president Turgut Ozal. A amps photos by Jim Derheims above students with placards create a design in the stands while karate club members do stunts on the Field in Ankara and a turkish Flag and a likeness of Ataturk loom above another portion of the crowd. Below Young dancers perform in traditional costume. 10 stripes Magazine june 7, 1990