Commemoration programs were organized in Edirne, Kırklareli and Tekirdağ on the occasion of "July 15 Democracy and National Unity Day".
Edirne Governor Yunus Sezer and protocol members visited the "15 July Commemoration Tent" established on Saraçlar Street and then proceeded to the Atatürk Monument. At the ceremony here, a moment of silence was observed and the National Anthem was sung. Then, Selimiye Mosque imam preacher Yusuf Serenli read the Holy Quran.
In his speech at the ceremony, Governor Sezer said that the treacherous structure that infiltrated the state was targeting democracy, national will, unity of the state and independence of the country on July 15.
Stating that the citizens fought a great fight against the traitors on the night of July 15, Sezer said, "Our beloved nation protected its homeland and flag, illuminated that dark night with the spirit of unity and solidarity, and displayed an epic resistance." he said.
Later, the flag carried in the "15 July Martyrs Flag Race" was delivered to Governor Sezer. Sezer kissed the standard and received it.
After the awards were given to the students who were ranked in the competitions organized within the scope of the activities, President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan's "Address to the Nation" speech was watched on the screen.
In the program, works consisting of hymns and heroic folk songs were performed.
Deputy Commander of the Garrison, 9th Border Brigade Commander Brigadier General Bülent Barış Sarp, Rector of Trakya University Prof. Dr. Mustafa Hatipler, Provincial Police Chief Muhittin Ayhan, Provincial Gendarmerie Commander Colonel Mehmet Kasım Ermiş, Edirne Deputy Mayor Ruhi Takındı, other protocol members and citizens attended.
On the other hand, Meriç and Tunca bridges were illuminated with red and white colors.
The ceremony at Kırklareli Freedom and Democracy Square started with the "Democracy and National Unity March" followed by a moment of silence and the reading of the National Anthem.
In the program, the Holy Quran was read and prayers were made by Provincial Mufti Yusuf Eviş.
After President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan's "Address to the Nation" speech was watched on the screen, Necmettin Ötün sang the "Martyrs' Ode".
Speaking in the program, Governor Uğur Turan said that the treacherous coup attempt, which targeted the will of the nation, democracy and the survival of the state 10 years ago, was eliminated by the unwavering will of the nation who took to the squares with President Erdoğan's historic call.
Stating that a will stronger than tanks and rifles turned the darkness into light that night, Turan said, "Only this nation decides the fate of this nation. July 15 is one of the strongest manifestations of our nation's commitment to its state, its belief in democracy and its determination to protect the national will." he said.
The program, in which the athletes participating in the Sancak race were given their documents, was completed with the students reading poems and the concert of Kırklareli Municipality Mehter Band.
A "15 July Democracy and National Unity" cortege was held in Tekirdağ.
Citizens and police teams gathered in Köprübaşı area and walked to the Governorship with Turkish flags in their hands.
Governor Recep Soytürk, Garrison Commander Brigadier General Aytuğ Yörüyüş, Metropolitan Mayor Candan Yüceer, Süleymanpaşa District Governor Mahmut Nedim Tunçer, Provincial Police Chief Ahmet Metin Turanlı, Provincial Gendarmerie Commander Colonel Ali Güngör and protocol members also attended the march.
Then the ceremony was held in front of the Governorship. The ceremony started with a moment of silence and the reading of the National Anthem, followed by the recitation of the Holy Quran.
Governor Soytürk said that the Turkish nation defended the national will on July 15, 2016 and defeated the treacherous coup attempt with a unique example of heroism.
Stating that the July 15 treacherous coup attempt targeted the democratic order, the indivisible integrity of the state, national unity and solidarity, Soytürk said:
"The treacherous coup attempt carried out by FETO on the night of July 15, 2016, with the aim of destroying the country and eliminating fundamental rights and freedoms, was eliminated by the determined stance and will to protect democracy of the beloved nation, who flocked to the squares, streets and avenues, disregarding their lives, upon the call of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. Against those who tried to usurp its will and darken its future, our nation fought for its democracy, independence and independence that night." "He protected his future at the expense of his life."
The program, in which medals were given to the athletes who were successful in the competitions, ended with a video screening and the reading of hymns.