Today, we celebrate one of the most special and meaningful day of the Republic of Turkey: 23 April National Sovereignty and Children's Day. This special day commemorates the establishment of the Grand National Assembly of Turkey, which is the turning point of our country's struggle for liberation and sovereignty, and is also the first and only holiday dedicated to children in the world.
23 April is a concrete indication of the struggle for independence initiated under the leadership of the Great Leader Mustafa Kemal Atatürk and the sovereignty obtained with the determination of our nation. With the establishment of the Grand National Assembly of Turkey, in line with the principle of "Sovereignty unconditionally belongs to the nation", the national will was made sovereign and Turkey's journey to independence began.
Atatürk's gift of this day to children is a reflection of his deep trust in children and young people. Atatürk believed that the future of the Republic of Turkey would be shaped by children and young people. This belief shows us how important work and science are for the future of our Republic. As Atatürk said, "The truest guide in life is science and science." Building our future in the light of science and technology is the key to the strong and independent progress of our country.
The fact that 23 April is dedicated to children is a celebration in honour of future leaders, scientists, artists and innovators. This holiday is a unique opportunity to encourage children's creativity, emphasise the importance of education and knowledge and support their dreams. We need the imagination and creative energy of our children for the progress of our country in technological and scientific fields.
Hard work and perseverance are the core values that reflect the spirit of 23 April. Mustafa Kemal Atatürk drew attention to the importance of work and production by saying, "Societies that want to live comfortably without working, tiring and producing, first lose their honour, then their freedom, and then their future." It is critical for the success of our country to instil these values in our children so that they can look to the future with hope.
Today, as we celebrate 23 April National Sovereignty and Children's Day with enthusiasm, it is also an opportunity to instil in our children the awareness of fundamental values such as freedom, democracy and equality. Our children who grow up with these values will build the future of our Republic on solid foundations.
On this special day, while thanking everyone who works for the happiness and success of our children, we wish that the National Sovereignty and Children's Day will bring peace, happiness and prosperity to our country.
Long live 23 April, long live the Republic of Turkey!
