Speeches
Remarks by Consul General Sharon Wiener on July 9, 2009 Governor Güler, Chief of Police Çapkın, members of the Turkish National Police force, family members, neighbors, Consulate staff and other distinguished guests – we are honored that you would join us today on this solemn occasion. One year ago this morning, three brave Turkish National Police – Nedim Çalık, Erdal Öztaş and Mehmet Önder Saçmalıoğlu – were killed by terrorists who attacked the Consulate General. Nedim, Erdal and Mehmet Bey sacrificed their lives in the line of duty. They are a great credit to all Turkish National Police officers who defend this Consulate daily under our mutual international treaty obligations. Officer Osman Dağlı responded quickly to stop the terrorists. He and Ferit Özcan were wounded in the attack. We are grateful they have recovered. Working together, Turkish and American security personnel saved the lives of 300 Turkish and American employees working in this Consulate, Turkish visa applicants and visitors at the Consulate that morning, and the many people who live and work on this street. The attack on the Consulate shocked and saddened all of us. We offer our deepest condolences to the Çalık, Öztaş and Saçmalıoğlu families. Our thoughts and prayers are always with you. I was here that day and attended the funerals the next day, and I speak for everyone in this Consulate in saying we owe your sons, husbands, fathers and brothers a debt of gratitude we can never fully repay. Their courage reminds us all what is required by citizens of free nations like Turkey and the United States as we work together to fight the scourge of terrorism wherever it strikes so that our people can live in a more peaceful and tolerant world. In honor of these heroes, we are grateful to Governor Güler and the Sarıyer Municipality for renaming the street in front of the Consulate “Üçşehitler Sokağı.” At the end of this ceremony, we will also unveil a plaque that will permanently serve as a reminder to all of what happened here on July 9, 2008. In memory of the fallen police officers, please stand and join me for a minute of silence. (Minute of silence concludes.) Thank you very much again for being here today.
Commemoration of the One-Year Anniversary
of the Terrorist Attack on the U.S. Consulate General
