MORRISTOWN, NJ (Morris County) – Morris County Commissioners Tayfun Selen and Deborah Smith hosted a group of students and other guests at their offices in Morristown last week in recognition of National Sovereignty and Children’s Day, an annual holiday observed in Turkey every April 23.
Students and parents of the Ataturk School of New York, joined by Principal Tülay Taşkent and Reyhan Özgür, the Consul General of the Republic of Turkey to New York, were welcomed by Commissioners Selen and Smith in the Board of County Commissioners’ public meeting room.
Commissioner Selen, who was born in Turkey, spoke about the significance of National Sovereignty and Children’s Day before presenting a proclamation to Ms. Taşkent and her students. In keeping with the holiday’s tradition, the children also took turns pretending to be public officials, sitting in the Commissioner’s meeting room chairs and asking questions to learn about the responsibilities of working in public service.
As a parting gift, the students and guests were given a children’s book called “The Marvelous Adventures of Countyland,” a publication of the National Association of Counties. They were also provided with pins and stickers bearing the Morris County crest. In return, the Commissioners received an honorary plaque and a painting depicting red tulips, Turkey’s national flower.
The event served as a celebration of Turkish independence and Turkish heritage as well as the universal importance of children’s rights and sovereignty. It also helped to foster understanding and appreciation of the values shared between Turkey and the United States.
The proclamation presented by the Commissioners acknowledged the founding of the Republic of Turkey in 1923 and the establishment of April 23rd as National Sovereignty and Children’s Day, while emphasizing the importance of Turkish-American relations and the contributions of Americans of Turkish descent to Morris County.
