# EMŞAV support and national Veterans Day commemorations > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/emav-support-for-martyrs-and-veterans-families > Updated: 2026-09-22T05:49:40.000Z. Sources: 114. Developments: 4. The Foundation of Police Duty Disabled and Martyrs' Families (EMŞAV) has conducted various programs focused on supporting martyrs' and veterans' families in Turkey. In August, the EMŞAV Book Club organized a solidarity event in Malatya. In September, the foundation held a memorial program to observe Veterans Week, where EMŞAV President Abdurrahman Yılmaz pledged lifelong support for martyrs' families. On September 19, Turkey and Cyprus held widespread commemorations for Veterans Day, marking the anniversary of when Mustafa Kemal Atatürk was awarded the title of ‘Gazi’ and the rank of Marshal in 1921. In Turkey, ceremonies in provinces such as Biga, Kahramanmaraş, Denizli, Sivas, Ankara, Antalya, Trabzon, Van, and Iğdır included wreath-laying and parades. Recent commemorations expanded to include cities like Muğla, Çanakkale, Mersin, Datça, Ordu, and Kartal. In Saray, programs featured military displays and equipment exhibitions, while other regions included visits to martyrs' cemeteries. In Balıkesir, local veteran association leaders expressed opposition to legislative discussions regarding potential amnesties for members of terrorist organizations. Additional ceremonies took place in Niksar, where officials participated in wreath-laying at the Atatürk bust, followed by a march to Kentpark Facilities. In Karşıyaka, the municipality and the Muharip Gaziler Derneği organized a respect march from Hergele Square, which concluded with a musical performance of heroic songs. Representatives from the Türkiye Harp Malulü Gaziler Şehit Dul ve Yetimler Derneği noted that veterans serve as the ‘living memory and honor of the nation.’ To bolster support, the Ministry of Family and Social Services announced the public employment of 571 relatives of martyrs, veterans, and their families. Minister Mahinur Özdemir Göktaş stated that the total number of such individuals employed in the public sector will reach 53,179. ## Claims - Kemer Municipality's Cleaning Affairs and Climate Change and Zero Waste Directorates organized a cleaning event. (corroborated by 3 sources) - The cleaning activity took place at Kındılçeşme Beach. (corroborated by 3 sources) - The event was held as part of World Cleanup Day activities. (corroborated by 3 sources) - The 'Çöp Kapar' system, designed to collect floating waste in seas, was demonstrated during the event. (corroborated by 3 sources) - Blue Flag certified hotels supported the cleaning event. (corroborated by 3 sources) - 571 new appointments for martyrs' relatives and veterans will be made. (corroborated by 3 sources) - The total number of martyrs' relatives, veterans, and their relatives employed in the public sector will reach 53,179. (corroborated by 2 sources) - Minister Mahinur Özdemir Göktaş stated that a terror-free Turkey is essential for permanent peace. (corroborated by 2 sources) - 261,559 free travel cards have been distributed to eligible individuals. (single source) - Veterans receive a 40 percent discount on electricity bills. (single source) - Veterans receive a 50 percent discount on water and natural gas bills. (single source) ## Timeline ### 2026-09-22: Turkey commemorates Veterans Day with ceremonies and marches Commemorative ceremonies and respect marches were held across Turkey, including Niksar and Karşıyaka, to mark Veterans Day and the anniversary of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk receiving the title of Marshal and Gazi. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/turkey-commemorates-veterans-day-with-ceremonies-and-marches ### 2026-09-19: Turkey observes Veterans Day with nationwide ceremonies Turkey observed September 19 Veterans Day with nationwide ceremonies and wreath-laying. Meanwhile, the Kurdistan Region completed a major reform to unify Peshmerga forces under a single ministry. 55 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/turkey-marks-september-19-veterans-day-with-ceremonies ### 2026-09-17: Turkey commemorates Veterans Day with nationwide ceremonies and new public appointments Turkey commemorates September 19 Veterans Day with nationwide ceremonies and the appointment of 571 veterans and martyrs' relatives to public sector positions. 81 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/turkey-commemorates-veterans-day-on-september-19 ### 2026-08-22: EMŞAV Book Club hosts solidarity event for martyr and veteran families The EMŞAV Book Club in Malatya hosted a social solidarity event for families of martyrs and veterans, featuring a discussion of Hakan Mengüç’s book to strengthen community bonds. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/emav-book-club-hosts-solidarity-event-for-martyr-and-veteran-families --- Cite as: EMŞAV support and national Veterans Day commemorations. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/emav-support-for-martyrs-and-veterans-families