Illinois and Washington States Declare October 29 as ''Turkish Republic Day''.

ATAA ^ | October 29, 2001 | Staff

[a_Turk]

Governor Ryan of Illinois hanged a Turkish flag on his office. Ryan said that Turkey constituted a model among Muslim countries. The following 29 October Proclamations were issued by the States of Illinois and Washington.

State Of Illinois Executive Department Proclamation

WHEREAS, the Republic of Turkey will be celebrating the 78th Anniversary of the Turkish Republic on October 29,2001 and
WHEREAS, this event has a special significance for all Turks and the Turkish American community in Illinois, and
WHEREAS, there will be several events celebrating the significance of this day throughout Illinois, including a 'Republic's Day Ball' in Chicago and events at the Turkish American Cultural Center; and
WHEREAS, Turkish Americans have contributed greatly to Illinois in all areas of life including education, business, science, medicine, arts and entertainment; and
WHEREAS, Turkish Americans have proudly shared their culture, heritage and talents with our state; and
WHEREAS, and the members of the Turkish American community that have contributed to science and technological advances include the late Dr. Tuncer Kuzay, Dr. Ercan Alp, Dr. Ali Erdemir of Argonne National Laboratory; and
WHEREAS, the Founder of the Turkish Republic, Kemal Ataturk, has contributed to world peace; and
WHEREAS, the Republic of Turkey is the only secular democratic Moslem country, providing a working model to show how democracy, secularism and free market economies can flourish in a Moslem country

THEREFORE, I, George Ryan, Governor of the State of Illinois, proclaim October 29,2001 as REPUBLIC OF TURKEY DAY in Illinois.

In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto to set my hand and caused the Great Öof the State of Illinois to be affixed. Done at the Capitol in the City of Springfield this eleventh day of October, in the Year of Our Lord two thousand and one. And of the State of Illinois the one hundred and eighty third.


Proclamation of the State of Washington

WHEREAS, The Republic of Turkey will officially celebrate the 78th Anniversary of the proclamation of the Turkish Republic on October 29 2001; and
WHEREAS, this event bears special significance for all Turks and the Turkish American community throughout the State of Washington; and
WHEREAS, the Republic of Turkey is the only secular democratic Muslim country providing a working model to show how democracy, secularism, and a free market economy can flourish; and
WHEREAS The Republic of Turkey played an important role in the Korean and Gulf Wars and continues to be a strategic and staunch ally of the United States of America; and
WHEREAS, the enforcement and monitoring of the no-fly zone in Northern Iraq operates out of The Republic of Turkey; and
WHEREAS, in the wake of the heinous attacks upon the United States and its citizens on September 11, 2001, the Republic of Turkey has cooperated with the United States of America by extending its support to combat the scourge of global terrorism with renewed vigor; and
WHEREAS, Americans of Turkish descent in Washington state have played a significant role in the educational, cultural, ,economic and civil development of our community; Americans of Turkish origin play a significant role in the ethnic diversity of Washington by incorporating their rich spiritual and cultural heritage and their dedication to the responsibilities of good citizenship; and
NOW THEREFORE, I, Gary Locke, Governor of the State of Washington, hereby do proclaim October 29, 2001 as Turkish Republic Day In Washington State and I urge all citizens to congratulate the Republic of Turkey on this 78th Anniversary and extend this tribute to all the people of Turkish birth or ancestry.

[a_Turk]

This is very interesting to me. Can anyone quote me other countries that are honored this way?

Indeed a high honor. Thank you.

[goodnesswins]

Hey, I live in Washington (the state) and gee, I must have missed this....too bad. There are probably hundreds of other proclamations such as these. Who knows, maybe even one for ISLAM....

[sheik yerbouty]

The Turks have been staunch U.s. allies.

[Leonora]

Are there any Armenians in Illinois?

[a_Turk]

Are there any Armenians in Illinois?

I'm sure there are. There also are many Armenians in Turkey. These are educated professionals and excellent people.

I spent many schoolyears in school with Jews, Greeks and Armenians in Istanbul. It was a good time. My prom date was an Armenian girl. The Republic of Turkey is proud of its 43 ethnic groups, who choose to call it their home and country.

For a glimpse of a much less advertised perspective on the Turks, please visit Sephardic Genealogy Resources

[Leonora]

REPUBLIC OF TURKEY DAY

An odd way to celebrate Thanksgiving, dont'ya think?

[Leonora]

..proud of its 43 ethnic groups..

Kurds too?

[Nogbad]

"..proud of its 43 ethnic groups.."

Kurds too?

Prime Minister Turgut Ozal was half Kurdish.
There are many Kurds in Turkey who hold prominent positions.

[Charles Henrickson]

I prefer to think of October 29 as "Anna Henrickson Day." (My little girl just turned six.)

:-) Daddy Henrickson

[a_Turk]

Anna Henrickson Day

I have two sons 8 and 12. So far I love being a parent. Happy birthday to your girl.

[Pericles]

Everystate and city has "fill in nation/ethnic" Days. It allows the politicians to gather at luncheons and get much donations from ethno-Americans.

[petuniasevan]

Governor Ryan of Illinois hanged a Turkish flag on his office.

Did he use a noose to hold it up?

Maybe the ATAA can raise some funds now to improve their English! ;>D

[Celebratelife008]

Turkey's military has been the ally---the majority of their people don't see eye-to-eye with the US--as a matter of fact, in a recent poll, 80% of Turkish citizens are anti-US with regard to Afghanistan...some allies, eh?

[sheik yerbouty]

So far they're still going along. They and the Arabs do not get along well. All in all, they are more reliable than a number of other allies.