2017 Regular Session ENROLLED
SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 26
BY SENATOR CARTER
A RESOLUTION
To recognize April 23, 2017, as "International Children's Day".
WHEREAS, in 1921, soon after the Turkish legislature was formed, the founder and
the first President of Turkey, Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, proclaimed April 23rd as National
Sovereignty and Children's Day - declaring that the ultimate power rests with the people and
the future of the Turkish Republic belongs to the children; and
WHEREAS, every year since 1921, the children in Turkey celebrate "Children's
Day" as a national holiday with various festivities and programs; and
WHEREAS, inspired by the Turkish holiday, the United Nations Educational
Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) declared 1979 as the International Year of
the Child, and shortly thereafter the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) decided to
recognize April 23rd as the International Children's Day - a day of worldwide fraternity and
understanding between the world's children; and
WHEREAS, observing April 23rd as International Children's Day will promote the
welfare of children, not only in Louisiana and the United States of America, but also in the
rest of the world, as a day of activity devoted just to them; and
WHEREAS, in Louisiana, the Turkish American Association of Louisiana was
established in 1980 representing Turkish Americans and their friends, who played a
significant role in the educational, cultural, economic, and civic development of our
community, enriching the fabric of our society; and
WHEREAS, the Louisiana State Senate recognizes many individuals of Turkish
descent who have chosen our state as their home and share their valuable, rich heritage with
us.
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Senate of the Legislature of Louisiana that
April 23, 2017, is hereby recognized as "International Children's Day".
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BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the citizens of Louisiana are hereby encouraged
to join the Louisiana State Senate in recognizing the importance of the future of our children.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this Resolution be transmitted to the
Turkish American Association of Louisiana.
PRESIDENT OF THE SENATE
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