May 19 is an important day for the Turkish Nation. The first step towards freedom and independence was taken that day. The Turkish War of Independence started with Mustafa Kemal Pasha's arrival to Samsun on 19 May 1919. Mustafa Kemal started a movement to save the entire country with his arrival to Samsun. Atatürk's journey to actualize national unity and solidarity has made the nation stronger.

In this war, Atatürk fought by putting forth all his strength and the love of the nation. In one of his speeches, Atatürk said; “ I was born on 19 May”. The Great Leader's acceptance of May 19 as his birthday best describes the place and importance of 19 May in our history. The Turkish War of Independence began with the attack of countries such as England and France. The Republic was declared on 29 October 1923 after the war was completed with honor and success. Mustafa Kemal, made 19 May as Youth and Sports Day that made day of our liberation and light our freedom torch and he gifted to Turkish Nation, especially our youth.