Dr. Kaymakçalan on 79th Anniversary of the Republic
Turkey declared a Republic on October 29, 1923
Dear ATAA Members and Friends, As we send our congratulations to the Turkish American community on the occasion of October 29, 2002, the 79th Anniversary of the founding of the Turkish Republic, I would like all of us to consider some important concepts espoused by modern Turkey's founder, Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, that I believe act as beacons for both the Assembly and much of the modern world: Secularism and Progressiveness.

In the post-September 11 era, in a radically different world from one that we had all wished for at the beginning of the new millennium, Turkey is once again at the forefront of attention, as the world's only secular democracy among Muslim nations. As people all around the world try to cope with this wave of terror, the visionary ideas of Ataturk, who long ago understood that for a society to be free and progressive it must also be secular, are being revisited. These tenets that we hold so dear have withstood the test of time and are today lauded by the world as fundamentals upon which nations can build open societies.

Progressiveness demands of our society that we look ahead in order to help build the foundations of a more solid future for our children and ourselves. The Assembly of Turkish American Associations has embraced this message, as a peace seeking, forward looking organization, a principle embodied in the Assembly's maxim "Peace at Home, Peace in the World."

Today, when we look at Turkey, we see a nation that has chosen its path solidly to be with democracy, modernity and progressiveness. The reforms undertaken by Ataturk and his generation of revolutionary Turkish men and women have shaped Turkish society forever. Democracy, secularism, respect for individual rights and liberties are the cornerstones of a social consensus shared by the vast majority of the Turkish people. This commitment is reflected by the courageous reforms recently adopted by the Turkish parliament and supported by the Turkish people, which further solidify Turkey's democratic credentials. Today, Turkey has become a freer and more open society, where social justice and the rule of law constantly evolve and are protected.

As we celebrate the 79th Anniversary of the founding of the Turkish Republic, the ATAA family wishes peace and prosperity upon the Turkish nation and Turks everywhere.

Dr Orhan Kaymakcalan
President, ATAA