Turkey’s Collaboration Recognized at Turkish Republic Day Ball Celebration

Monica Stevens, Detroit Immigration Examiner

“Peace at Home, Peace in the World”.

These were the words of the father of modern Turkey, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, that appeared printed on the programs placed on tables at the Turkish Republic Day Ball Celebration held last night, Saturday 5th, at the Diamond Center Hall of the Suburban Collection Showplace in Novi.

Several political, community, and diplomatic figures were present at the ball last night, including Novi City Mayor David. B. Landry, Novi City Manager Clay J. Pearson, the Consuls of Spain, Chile, Iraq, Yemen, Japan, and Turkey; leaders of the Azerbaijani-American and Syrian-American communities; the president of the Turkish-American Chamber of Commerce; members of APROMEX; and Congressmen Hansen Clarke (D-MI 13) and Gary Peters (D-MI 9) who addressed the audience, recognizing Turkey´s long-time assistance to the US.

Both Congressmen Peters and Clarke received recognitions by TACAM as exceptional leaders.

The Turkish American Cultural Association in Michigan (TACAM), established in 1972, also received proclamations from the State of Michigan, from Congressman Clarke, and from the cities of Ann Arbor, Lansing, Wixom and Ypsilanti.

The Republic Day Ball last night not only celebrated the great Atatürk´s impressive victory in 1923. It also recognized the hundreds of victims affected during the recent 7.2 magnitude earthquake in Eastern Turkey last October, and the 24 Turkish soldiers killed by the PKK while protecting the Turkish-Iraqi border. The audience observed a minute of silence for the soldiers killed, and for the earthquake victims.

Atatürk is Turkey´s greatest hero. He was recognized by Presidents Roosevelt and Kennedy, writer Ernest Hemingway, Gen. Douglas MacArthur, and British Prime Minister Sir Winston Churchill as a man who in only 11 months managed to win the Ottoman´s first war of independence in 200 years on October 23, 1923. Atatürk´s victory brought progressive reforms that resulted in what we know today as modern Turkey, the pioneer of democracy in the Middle East; a country with a booming economy that ranks 16th in the world today.

As Gen. MacArthur said after Atatürk´s death : “He was a military-statesman, one of the greatest leaders of our era. He ensured that Turkey got its rightful place among the most advanced nations. Also, he gave the feeling of support and self-confidence to the Turks that form the foundation stone of a nation’s greatness. I take great pride in being one of Ataturk’s loyal friends.”

A portion of last night´s event´s proceeds will be donated to the families of the fallen soldiers, and the earthquake victims in Turkey through ATAA, the Turkish American Associations in the US, located in Washington, DC.

Congressman Clarke pointed out that Turkey has managed to retain “a secular government in a majority-Muslim country”, while Congressman Peters recognized Turkey as a member of NATO (The North Atlantic Treaty Organization) since 1952, and offered his help to the Turkish community in Metro Detroit.

Congressman Clarke also described himself as the son of immigrants, and pointed out that it is precisely the immigrants who come to this country who truly appreciate the principles of freedom and the pursuit of happiness that the US stands for. He also commented on the fact that by being different, immigrants in Michigan can each contribute something special to this country.

TACAM President Feridun Bek recognized guests from different ethnic communities in Metro Detroit who attended the ball, including guests from the UK, Mexico, and Syria.

Turkey has been a close ally of the United States for many years, and will be the host to NATO´s US designated Nuclear Anti Missile Radar Program to develop the strategy that will protect members of the Treaty by spotting nuclear threats. Turkey will subsequently also host an anti-missile radar (solely defensive and not an assault radar system) to be installed in a military facility in Central Turkey.

The Turkish Military has been providing training to the Afghan National Army and police, providing supplies, and helping to operate a hospital in Kabul, as part of a NATO stabilizing campaign, in anticipation of the forthcoming withdrawal of American troops by 2014.

Due to its strategic location right between Europe and Asia, Turkey is also one of the most valuable US allies. Congressmen Clarke and Peters made it clear that international cooperation is vital to world security and economic development. Their presence as this year’s Turkish Republic Day Ball, and their strong words of recognition to the Turkish community in Metro Detroit were received as a symbol of renewed friendship and cooperation between Turkey and the US for the years to come.

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