The Washington, DC area’s Turkish community came together Sunday morning to celebrate 23 Nisan International Children’s Day with a ceremony at the Sheridan Circle location of the statue of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk followed by a program at the Turkish Embassy featuring performances by students of the American Turkish Association of DC (ATA-DC) Atatürk School. The activities at the statue were organized by Ataturk Society of America (ASA).

April 23rd marked the 94th Anniversary of the establishment of The Grand National Assembly of Turkey. On that day in 1920, a new parliament representing national sovereignty formed in Ankara for the first time, led by Mustafa Kemal Atatürk. This historic event helped pave the way for an independent, secular and modern republic to arise from the ashes of the Ottoman Empire.

In 1929, with the belief that children represented the future of the nation, Atatürk dedicated April 23 to children from all around the world. Turkey became the first country worldwide to devote a national holiday for children.

In a statement issued by the ATA-DC, it said the ATA-DC Board of Directors “are proud to celebrate April 23 National Sovereignty and Children’s Day and follow the footsteps of great leader Mustafa Kemal Atatürk in raising future citizens of the world. On this special day, we commemorate Atatürk and all men and women, who sacrificed their lives while defending their country, with great gratitude and deep respect.”

For further information about ATA-DC, please visit: http://atadc.org/