April 23rd National Sovereignty and Children's Day
22.04.2010
President Abdullah Gül issued a message on the occasion of the April 23rd National Sovereignty and Children's Day:
"My fellow countrymen,
Dear Children,
We are experiencing great enthusiasm as a whole nation today. We are celebrating the 90th Anniversary of the TBMM (Turkish Grand National Assembly) and the National Sovereignty and Children's Day with pride. I hail you all with love and affection on the occasion of the April 23rd National Sovereignty and Children's Day. On April 23, 1920, one of the most significant events in our history took place.
The great leader Atatürk believed that only by taking its own destiny in its hand could the nation find salvation, thus taking his steps towards this realization and cause during the National Struggle years. Indeed, the opening of the TBMM is a milestone in this process. From this very date onwards, our esteemed nation has been granted a voice in the administration of the country and has shaped its own future with its own will.
Atatürk attached great importance to the fact that the TBMM remained open even during the harshest times of the National Struggle. Therefore, the most outstanding feature of the National Struggle is that it was carried out with the nation's will. The TBMM has become a symbol of the Turkish nation's perseverance to live independently and its will to establish a stronger future together. The TBMM which undertook this honorable duty under the harshest of conditions that the country was exposed to, lent power and morale to the Turkish nation through its brave verdicts. Under the leadership of Atatürk, the TBMM that conducted the Independence War and laid the fundamentals of the strong and great Turkey by founding the Republic is also the symbol of independence and national sovereignty.
The TBMM illuminated the path for our nation both during and after the war years, made the nation's will dominate and fulfilled the heavy responsibilities it undertook despite the lack of amenities. I would like to underscore that the TBMM is unique among all other parliaments across the world due to the fact that it was an assembly of veterans.
All the problems of the country and all the issues concerning the future of the nation are discussed and resolved under this grand roof. Our nation exerts its sovereign rights through the hands of the representatives whom it chooses.
The basis of our state today is the principle of national sovereignty, which enables our democracy, freedoms and the rule of law to function well. Our Parliament, the basic institution of our pluralistic democratic regime, leads our nation today as well. It is my honor to state that Turkey is a country that looks to the future with confidence. Turkey has considerably advanced in all areas towards integration with the world that is developing. Our country's weight and effectiveness are being enhanced in the international arena every passing day. However harsh the political discussions may be within the country, our image is stronger than ever outside of Turkey. Turkey with its accomplishments, economy and its democracy and the legal standards is a source of inspiration in the broad geography of the world. Of this we are all very proud !
Turkey has her own problems like any other country. It is natural that there are some arguments and political conflicts within our democratic nation. All of them can be seen in the nature of politics itself. What is important is that we keep common sense, respect and understand each other and that discussions should be carried out in the spirit of common sense, respect and understanding.
Discovering our own power is what we need most today. It is crucial that our country's basic aims, particularly the EU membership process, should not be undermined. These are beyond political ideologies and should be regarded as such. I hereby call on all walks of life and everyone to meticulously protect the basic aims of the country that will carry it further
We are resolute in our will to carry the Turkish Republic above the level of the modern civilization. We should advance one step further as a nation each day.
On the occasion of the National Sovereignty and Children's Day, I once again would like to underline that our greatest assurance is our youth from whom we expect much.
My dear children, İ would like to remind you that we are making every effort to leave you a stronger and more prosperous Turkey of which you will be proud. When the time comes, you will take over the country. You will study, achieve and hold many important positions. You are the future administrators, doctors, businessmen, artists, thinkers, scientists and sportsmen of our nation.
In this global world, where a country's high quality human resources are its biggest asset and where knowledge is the impetus of advancement, you are the ones who will shape the future of our country. We, therefore, attach great importance to raising you in the best way and providing you with quality and modern education. You should have high aims, always look ahead and also remember that Turkey was founded with the same understanding and sacrifices.
You should make your efforts, thoughts , research and products for the betterment of our country and nation and you should also be open to emerging knowledge, technology, advancement and innovations. You should not relinquish your ideals and aims.
I wholeheartedly believe that our next generation with its quality, potential and dynamism will certainly make Turkey much stronger in all areas.
Children are special to our nation. The National Sovereignty and Children's Day that you are celebrating in the spirit of festival was bestowed to you by Atatürk, which indicates his confidence and belief as well as those of the Turkish nation in children. Through uniting our children and strengthening love and the bonds of friendship, the National Sovereignty and Children's Day is one of our nation's festivals celebrated with the participation of children from many other countries. A peaceful world to which we have aspired can be realized through the efforts of the world's children and I have no doubt that everything will be much better in the future.
We are proud of and count on you.
The glow in your eyes, the smile on your faces, your happiness and joy last forever.
I hereby remember the founder of our Republic, Atatürk; all the heroes of our Independence War and the members of the First Parliament with tribute, gratitude and appreciation.
I celebrate your April 23rd National Sovereignty and Children's Day and kiss your visage with affection."
"My fellow countrymen,
Dear Children,
We are experiencing great enthusiasm as a whole nation today. We are celebrating the 90th Anniversary of the TBMM (Turkish Grand National Assembly) and the National Sovereignty and Children's Day with pride. I hail you all with love and affection on the occasion of the April 23rd National Sovereignty and Children's Day. On April 23, 1920, one of the most significant events in our history took place.
The great leader Atatürk believed that only by taking its own destiny in its hand could the nation find salvation, thus taking his steps towards this realization and cause during the National Struggle years. Indeed, the opening of the TBMM is a milestone in this process. From this very date onwards, our esteemed nation has been granted a voice in the administration of the country and has shaped its own future with its own will.
Atatürk attached great importance to the fact that the TBMM remained open even during the harshest times of the National Struggle. Therefore, the most outstanding feature of the National Struggle is that it was carried out with the nation's will. The TBMM has become a symbol of the Turkish nation's perseverance to live independently and its will to establish a stronger future together. The TBMM which undertook this honorable duty under the harshest of conditions that the country was exposed to, lent power and morale to the Turkish nation through its brave verdicts. Under the leadership of Atatürk, the TBMM that conducted the Independence War and laid the fundamentals of the strong and great Turkey by founding the Republic is also the symbol of independence and national sovereignty.
The TBMM illuminated the path for our nation both during and after the war years, made the nation's will dominate and fulfilled the heavy responsibilities it undertook despite the lack of amenities. I would like to underscore that the TBMM is unique among all other parliaments across the world due to the fact that it was an assembly of veterans.
All the problems of the country and all the issues concerning the future of the nation are discussed and resolved under this grand roof. Our nation exerts its sovereign rights through the hands of the representatives whom it chooses.
The basis of our state today is the principle of national sovereignty, which enables our democracy, freedoms and the rule of law to function well. Our Parliament, the basic institution of our pluralistic democratic regime, leads our nation today as well. It is my honor to state that Turkey is a country that looks to the future with confidence. Turkey has considerably advanced in all areas towards integration with the world that is developing. Our country's weight and effectiveness are being enhanced in the international arena every passing day. However harsh the political discussions may be within the country, our image is stronger than ever outside of Turkey. Turkey with its accomplishments, economy and its democracy and the legal standards is a source of inspiration in the broad geography of the world. Of this we are all very proud !
Turkey has her own problems like any other country. It is natural that there are some arguments and political conflicts within our democratic nation. All of them can be seen in the nature of politics itself. What is important is that we keep common sense, respect and understand each other and that discussions should be carried out in the spirit of common sense, respect and understanding.
Discovering our own power is what we need most today. It is crucial that our country's basic aims, particularly the EU membership process, should not be undermined. These are beyond political ideologies and should be regarded as such. I hereby call on all walks of life and everyone to meticulously protect the basic aims of the country that will carry it further
We are resolute in our will to carry the Turkish Republic above the level of the modern civilization. We should advance one step further as a nation each day.
On the occasion of the National Sovereignty and Children's Day, I once again would like to underline that our greatest assurance is our youth from whom we expect much.
My dear children, İ would like to remind you that we are making every effort to leave you a stronger and more prosperous Turkey of which you will be proud. When the time comes, you will take over the country. You will study, achieve and hold many important positions. You are the future administrators, doctors, businessmen, artists, thinkers, scientists and sportsmen of our nation.
In this global world, where a country's high quality human resources are its biggest asset and where knowledge is the impetus of advancement, you are the ones who will shape the future of our country. We, therefore, attach great importance to raising you in the best way and providing you with quality and modern education. You should have high aims, always look ahead and also remember that Turkey was founded with the same understanding and sacrifices.
You should make your efforts, thoughts , research and products for the betterment of our country and nation and you should also be open to emerging knowledge, technology, advancement and innovations. You should not relinquish your ideals and aims.
I wholeheartedly believe that our next generation with its quality, potential and dynamism will certainly make Turkey much stronger in all areas.
Children are special to our nation. The National Sovereignty and Children's Day that you are celebrating in the spirit of festival was bestowed to you by Atatürk, which indicates his confidence and belief as well as those of the Turkish nation in children. Through uniting our children and strengthening love and the bonds of friendship, the National Sovereignty and Children's Day is one of our nation's festivals celebrated with the participation of children from many other countries. A peaceful world to which we have aspired can be realized through the efforts of the world's children and I have no doubt that everything will be much better in the future.
We are proud of and count on you.
The glow in your eyes, the smile on your faces, your happiness and joy last forever.
I hereby remember the founder of our Republic, Atatürk; all the heroes of our Independence War and the members of the First Parliament with tribute, gratitude and appreciation.
I celebrate your April 23rd National Sovereignty and Children's Day and kiss your visage with affection."
