ATAA Thanks Congressman Jean Schmidt for May 19th Remarks

May 27, 2008

Honorable Congresswoman Jean Schmidt
238 Cannon House Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20515

Dear Representative Schmidt,

On behalf of ATAA and the entire Turkish American community, we would like to sincerely thank you for your remarks given in Congress on May 22, commemorating "Ataturk, Youth and Sports Day in Turkey". Your narrative of the origins of this very important day, as well as your account of the critical role that Mustafa Kemal Ataturk played in shaping Turkey as a pro-western, secular, and democratic state under the rule of law, will hopefully serve to enlighten Americans on the importance of this holiday. It is our sincere hope that the recognition and declaration of such holidays will serve the purposes outlined in your remarks: that "a leader with a vision coupled with determination can lay the roots for a great future."

Thank you once again for drawing attention to this holiday that holds great significance for Turks and Turkish Americans.

Sincerely,

Nurten Ural, President
Assembly of Turkish American Associations (ATAA)

SPEECH OF HON. JEAN SCHMIDT OF OHIO
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
THURSDAY, MAY 22, 2008

Mrs. SCHMIDT. Madam Speaker, I rise today to commemorate May 19 as a very significant day in the history of our dear friend the Republic of Turkey. In Turkey, May 19 is celebrated as the commemoration of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, the Founder of the Republic of Turkey. It was May 19 in the year 1919 when Mustafa Kemal landed in the Black Sea port of Samsun and the war of independence began. Under his leadership less than a year later the Turkish Grand National Assembly was established and a few years later the Republic of Turkey was born a new nation.

Ataturk had a vision for Turkey and he set about reforming her. His vision of a pro-western, secular, and democratic state under the rule of law quickly became reality.

President John F. Kennedy said, "The name Ataturk reminds mankind of the historical accomplishments of one of the greatest men of this century. His leadership gave inspiration to the Turkish nation, farsightedness in the understanding of the modern world, and courage and power as a military leader.''

It was in 1934 that Ataturk demonstrated his commitment to the rights of women by giving them full political rights. He understood that a country can only flourish when it's people are truly free.

My hero, General Douglas MacArthur described Ataturk better than most could ever attempt. "He was a soldier-statesman, one of the greatest leaders of our era. He ensured that Turkey got its rightful place among the most advanced nations of the world.''

May 19 is a very important day when it all began. On this day a great leader began his journey, a vision became reality and a great nation was born. We should all learn a lesson from this man's life. A leader with a vision coupled with determination can lay the roots for a great future. Turkey's neighbors who today wrestle with their own beginnings should take note.



ATAA, a not-for-profit 501(3)c organization based in Washington DC, not only serves as a resource center for its members and component associations throughout the United States, it also works closely with Turkish American to develop an informed and effective Turkish American citizenry. In recent times, the ATAA is becoming a major resource for experts, policy makers, and media seeking a better understanding of U.S.-Turkish relations.