HR0386 96TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0386 LRB096 12720 GRL 26398 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, the founder of the Turkish Republic, dedicated the date of April 23 to the children of his country to emphasize that the children were the future of the new nation; and

WHEREAS, Since 1935, Children's Day has been celebrated on April 23 in Turkey so that the children would cherish the independence and freedom obtained since the Turkish Independence War in 1920; and

WHEREAS, On April 23 of every year, children from around the world travel to Turkey and are hosted by Turkish families to participate in "Sovereignty and Children's Day", where the children create lifelong friendships, learn foreign traditions and customs, and attend the Grand National Assembly, where children pledge their commitment to international peace and brotherhood; and

WHEREAS, The State of Illinois, in partnership with Consul General Ugur Kenan Ipek of Turkey, recognizes the importance of children as our future leaders and encourages the uniting of all citizens to promote a safe and healthy environment for our children; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-SIXTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we designate April 23, 2009 as Children's Day in the State of Illinois; and be it further

RESOLVED, That we encourage our communities to come together to participate in giving faith, hope, love and commitment to the children of this State and around the world.