10.11.2026 09:20
US Ambassador to Türkiye Tom Barrack stated that on November 10, while commemorating Atatürk, he observed a moment of silence with Türkiye at 09:05. Emphasizing Atatürk's principle "Peace at home, peace in the world," Barrack expressed that sovereignty and dignity are won through courage, and that protecting them depends on turning rivals into partners.
Ghazi Mustafa Kemal Atatürk is being commemorated with ceremonies held across Türkiye on the 88th anniversary of his passing, while the U.S. Ambassador to Türkiye, Tom Barrack, also released a message. Barrack drew attention not only to Atatürk's role in the founding of Türkiye but also to his will to build peace and state institutions after the war.
“AT 09:05, I AM OBSERVING A MOMENT OF SILENCE TOGETHER WITH TÜRKİYE”
Barrack began his message with the words, “Today at 09:05, Türkiye falls silent, and I observe a moment of silence along with it.” Noting that even though 88 years have passed since Atatürk's death, the example he set still carries meaning today, the American diplomat stated that he was a soldier who knew the cost of war very well.
Emphasizing that Atatürk chose to establish a republic after a collapsed empire, Barrack touched on the importance of building institutions instead of past resentments. He also placed at the center of his message the principle “Peace at home, peace in the world,” which continues to guide Türkiye.
“TRUE COURAGE IS TO TURN RIVALS INTO PARTNERS”
Barrack stated that Atatürk's legacy is also guiding in terms of today's regional problems. Expressing that in a geography where the search for stability continues, sovereignty and honor are won with courage, the Ambassador drew attention to the fact that protecting them requires a more challenging courage.
Barrack concluded his message with the following words:
“Sovereignty and honor are won with courage; securing them requires the more challenging courage of turning rivals into partners.”