President Erdoğan's 'strong bond' message to the Turkish community in the US

The traditional Turkish Day Parade and Festival, which brings together the Turkish community living in the US, began on Manhattan's famous Madison Avenue. The event, held for the 43rd time this year, was organized by the Federation of Turkish American Associations under the coordination of the Directorate of Communications. Manhattan's streets turned red and white during the march, which was attended by thousands of Turkish citizens.

The program was attended by Turkey's Consul General in New York, Ambassador Muhittin Ahmet Yazal; Turkey's Permanent Representative to the United Nations (UN), Ambassador Ahmet Yıldız; Turkey's Ambassador to Washington, Sedat Önal; Midyat Mayor Veysi Şahin; and prominent figures from the Turkish community. The Ministry of National Defense Mehter Band (Janissary Band) drew significant attention at the event, which featured dozens of associations. The performance, accompanied by the dances of the Fire of Anatolia, also featured a stage appearance by artist Ayla Çelik.

Great interest in the Mehter Band at the festival

Citizens participating in the march with Turkish flags moved along Madison Avenue accompanied by anthems and slogans. While dozens of non-governmental organizations and associations took part in the parade, the performance by the Ministry of National Defense Mehter Band was one of the most notable parts of the event.

During the festival program held after the march, President Erdoğan's video message was screened for the participants. The program also featured a video message from Communications Director Fahrettin Altun addressed to the Turkish community living in the US.

Erdoğan's message of unity to the Turkish-American community

In his message, President Erdoğan said, "Valued members of the Turkish-American community, distinguished guests, I greet you with my most heartfelt feelings, with longing and affection. Today, I convey the greetings of your 86 million brothers and sisters in Turkey to you, our precious citizens and kin who have come to New York from all corners of America. My dear brothers and sisters, the 43rd Turkish Day Parade, organized by the Turkish-American community, is the most beautiful event of the Turkish presence in America. This march, which adorns the streets of Manhattan with our crescent-and-star flag, is one of the reflections of the dignity and self-confidence of the Turkish nation."

"The Turkish-American community has reached a respected and influential position"

Stating that the Turkish community, which has had a presence in the US for over a century, has achieved significant successes, President Erdoğan said, "The Turkish-American community, which has had a presence in the US for over a century, has now reached a respected and influential position, distinguishing itself with its achievements in every field today. While you add value to America with your initiatives, academic successes, civil society work, and economic contributions, you also maintain your heartfelt bond with Turkey. You are the voice, conscience, and representative of Turkey. In this regard, I see each of you as Turkey's natural representatives in America, and we follow your work with appreciation."

"You must take a greater place in decision-making mechanisms"

Noting that they attach importance to Turkish citizens taking a more active role in every field, Erdoğan said, "We especially attach importance to your strong presence in every field, from the business world to academia, and from civil society to politics. Our expectation from you is that you take a more active role in every platform you are in and gain a greater place in decision-making mechanisms. Our citizens living abroad are one of the most important carriers of Turkey's global vision."

"We possess a bond so strong that distances cannot separate us"

Continuing his speech with a message of unity and solidarity, President Erdoğan said, "Your acting in unity and solidarity will ensure both that the Turkish-American community reaches a stronger position and that Turkey is represented correctly. Let us not forget that we possess a bond so strong that distances cannot separate us. We are members of the same culture, the same history, the same deep-rooted nation and civilization. As long as we act with this awareness, there is no obstacle we cannot overcome."

At the end of his message, Erdoğan concluded his speech by saying, "With these thoughts, I wish for the 43rd Turkish Day Parade to be auspicious and thank everyone who contributed. I greet you all once again with love and respect. Stay well."

News Source: 12punto