“Our Children Should Understand the Value of National Holidays”

Speaking at the April 23 National Sovereignty and Children's Day held in front of Izmit Municipality, Izmit Mayor Fatma Kaplan Hürriyet made the following statements; “We are experiencing another national holiday full of enthusiasm with you. April 23 is the only holiday given to children in the world. This April 23 is primarily our children's holiday. They are the guarantee of our future. So let our children celebrate the holiday for 3 days. We want our children to understand how important our national holiday is for Turkey to become a modern country.

“WE WALK KNOWING THE VALUE OF FREEDOM”

These magnificent holidays, when the will of the nation was taken from the palaces and returned to the nation and the Turkish Grand National Assembly was established, were gifted to us by Gazi Mustafa Kemal Atatürk. This special day is the anniversary of the opening of the Turkish Grand National Assembly and the unconditional transfer of sovereignty to our nation. We walk on the path paved by this great leader of ours, knowing the value of sovereignty and freedom.

“WE WILL WORK FOR OUR CHILDREN”

Today, while we celebrate our independence and democracy with all our heart, we also renew our hopes for the future thanks to our children. Today, we hosted our Children's Assembly before the cortege. We held a Special Session on April 23. Our children shared their dreams for the future and this city. They unanimously accepted their proposal. We said that these proposals are above our heads. We will work for our children throughout the duties entrusted to us by the nation.

"SOVEREIGNTY IS NOT GIVEN, IT IS TAKEN"

We will prioritize our children in our projects. The rights and development of our children are indispensable for our understanding of social municipalism. Ataturk's saying, "Sovereignty is not given, it is taken" reminds us that the struggles for freedom and independence should never be forgotten. We commemorate our martyrs and veterans who sacrificed their lives for this land, and once again realize that we are able to live these days thanks to their sacrifices.

“WE SHOULD PROTECT OUR VALUES”

On this occasion, by celebrating April 23 National Sovereignty and Children's Day, let's not forget that national will, freedom and independence are entrusted to us. It is our common responsibility to protect these values ​​and pass them on to future generations. I congratulate all of you on your holiday and hope that on this meaningful day, our hearts will once again be filled with Atatürk, the Republic and our bright future.”