May 19

Commemoration of Atatürk, Youth and Sports Day is celebrated on May 19 in Turkey and Northern Cyprus to mark the beginning of the Turkish War of Independence in 1919. Mustafa Kemal Atatürk landed in Samsun on this day, inspiring the national movement that led to the foundation of the modern Turkish Republic. The holiday honors the vital role of youth as the guarantors of the nation’s future and encourages participation in athletic activities. Official ceremonies include flag-raising, speeches, and wreath-laying at monuments dedicated to Atatürk. Sporting events such as track and field competitions, football matches, and school games are organized throughout the country. Young people take center stage in parades and cultural performances, showcasing Turkey’s diverse heritage and talent. Atatürk himself dedicated this day to the youth of Turkey, famously stating, “The future is in the skies.” Each year, millions of students across the nation renew their commitment to the values of independence, unity, and athletic excellence.

Hồ Chí Minh’s Birthday on May 19 is a national celebration in Vietnam honoring the birth of the country’s founding father, born in 1890. Official ceremonies are held at the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and other monuments, where leaders lay wreaths and pay homage to his legacy. Schools, government offices, and cultural institutions organize educational programs and exhibitions about his life and contributions to Vietnamese independence. Street decorations, parades, and public speeches highlight his ideals of national unity, socialism, and self-determination. Citizens participate in volunteer activities and charitable initiatives inspired by Ho Chi Minh’s emphasis on community service. The day reinforces national pride and encourages reflection on the principles that guided Vietnam’s path to sovereignty.